Two senior associates join Simpson Grierson

Two new senior associates have joined Simpson Grierson’s team.

Sonia Bannister is a specialist in commercial property. She has handled matters encompassing all aspects of the field, including leasing, acquisitions and disposals, developments and finance.

Her clients include BP Oil New Zealand, Westpac New Zealand and the district councils of Masterton and South Wairarapa. In addition to assisting property developers and councils, she has advised private clients on new builds, occupation right agreements, and residential conveyancing. 

Bannister has worked not just in New Zealand but in the UK as well over the span of her 15-year career. She will be working from the firm’s Wellington office, practicing in the areas of commercial property, local government and agribusiness.

Richard Broad specialises in private clients and trusts, dealing with all areas of succession planning and asset protection. He provides advice on developments associated with the introduction of the Trusts Act 2019.

He has drafted wills and handled complex applications for grants of probate and letters of administration for both New Zealand and foreign wills. Moreover, he has advised on occupation right agreements for retirement villages.

Broad has worked as part of the in-house legal team in trust companies, and has taken on management positions. As part of Simpson Grierson’s commercial property team, he will operate from the firm’s Auckland branch.

“Sonia and Richard are great additions that will enhance client service across key areas for our firm,” Simpson Grierson chair Anne Callinan said. “In addition to taking on leadership roles in their teams, both also bring significant private client experience which is a growth area for our firm.”

In February, the firm elevated three partners, including commercial property expert Donna Hurley.

Richard Broad