Lauren Rapley and Jeremy Upson step into the new roles to start December
Lauren Rapley and Jeremy Upson have been promoted to partners at Russell McVeagh.
The two step into their new roles on 1 December. Rapley works with the environment, planning, and natural resources team, while Upson practises with the litigation team.
The appointment represents one more significant step up the ladder for Rapley, who has been with the firm since the start of her legal career. She commenced as a summer clerk with Russell McVeagh in November 2012 and was elevated to senior associate in December 2019.
She was named among NZ Lawyer’s Rising Stars for 2022. Her practice concentrates on all aspects of resource management and environmental law; in particular, she has tackled major large-scale developments and infrastructure projects.
Rapley has also guided clients on plan changes and reviews across New Zealand, national policy matters and legislative reform. As a seasoned litigator, she has appeared before the Environment Court and High Court.
She works from the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland office. Her promotion to partner is pending the fulfilment of Law Society requirements.
Meanwhile, Upson has tackled various commercial and public law disputes, as well as contract and tort claims, judicial review, insolvency matters including companies’ claims against directors and auditors, property disputes, regulatory matters, confidential information, insurance litigation including arising out of the Canterbury earthquakes, and proceedings under the Commerce Act.
He kicked off his tenure with Russell McVeagh in 2019 and has appeared at all levels of court. Before joining the firm, he clerked at the Court of Appeal.
Last night at the NZ Law Awards, Russell McVeagh was named the Realaml Employer of Choice (>100 Lawyers) awardee.
