The firm brings in a new partner, along with her group of senior solicitors
National law firm Tompkins Wake has welcomed three new lawyers as it continued to bolster its team in Rotorua.
Catriona Gordon joins the firm as its newest partner, bringing with her senior solicitors Melissa Choppin, and Sarah-Louise Tapsell, as her former practice, Lava Law, merges with Tompkins Wake.
Gordon has worked as a property, trust, and commercial lawyer in Rotorua since 1994, establishing herself as a prominent identity in the local community. Her former firm was focused on the legal needs of private clients, their families, and small and medium-sized business owners.
In a statement, Gordon said she was drawn to Tompkins Wake because of its “culture of strong leadership, forward thinking, and its holistic approach to looking after its clients.”
“Tompkins Wake is very focussed on the wellness of its people and giving them what they need to provide great service to its clients as well as ensuring they have great lives outside of work,” she said. “As lawyers, we work in the service industry, so my philosophy has always been to look after my clients, care for them, and make them feel that we understand their needs.
Gordon earned her Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland. Her areas of expertise include charities and incorporated societies, commercial property transactions, elder law, succession planning, trusts and asset protection, wills and estate planning, and subdivisions and property development.
Choppin, meanwhile, has been working in law since 2000, initially as a legal assistant, then as a registered legal executive. She completed her law degree at the University of Waikato and commenced as a solicitor after being admitted to the bar in 2013.
Choppin has worked at a large firm in the Bay of Plenty, allowing her to obtain a broad range of legal knowledge. She can assist with most matters involving property and private client law, with specific expertise in estate planning and administration. Choppin also serves as deputy chair of the Waiariki Women’s Refuge.
Tapsell was admitted to the bar in 2007, initially working as a civil litigator and a Crown prosecutor in Rotorua. She specialises property law and is passionate about assisting first home buyers and working with developers and investors. Her areas of expertise include commercial and residential property transactions, enduring powers of attorney, refinancing, and subdivisions.
