Senior associates make partner at boutique firm

The promotions expand the firm’s partnership to a total of six

Senior associates make partner at boutique firm
Scott Worthy, Laura Chapman

Two senior associates have made partner at employment law firm Kiely Thompson Caisley (KTC).

Scott Worthy started with the firm in 2013, while Laura Chapman joined in March 2020. They stepped into their new roles on 1 July.

“Both Laura and Scott are valued members of our team who have proven their capabilities in highly successful careers locally and abroad,” senior partner Peter Kiely said. “As partners, they take on increased responsibilities including leading the firm, mentoring, and growing client relationships. As proven individuals, their contribution strengthens our management team for the benefit of our employees and our clients.”

Worthy has tackled workplace matters such as restructuring and redundancy, managing employee performance, disciplinary processes, privacy law and health and safety. He is knowledgeable on all aspects of dispute resolution related to employment concerns.

He has acted for clients before the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in mediations. He was ranked by the Legal 500 as a rising star in 2019 and 2020.

KTC said that Worthy’s successful handling of a number of sensitive cases have earned him the respect of both his peers and his colleagues.

“I’m delighted to be joining the KTC partnership after 8 years working with the firm.  I look forward to delivering high quality results for our clients in this challenging employment law environment,” Worthy said of the promotion.

Chapman has logged 13 years of overseas experience in the UK, Hong Kong and across Asia. She has advised on workplace concerns in the APAC region, and counts multinationals among her clients.

She previously helmed a team at a global firm, and is qualified to practise in Hong Kong and England and Wales. Her practice focuses on employee incentives, data privacy and the legal aspects of employee change management.

Chapman made her comeback in New Zealand with KTC. Her strong experience in employee relations, dispute resolution and investigations quickly made her a valued asset to the firm, as did her expertise when it comes to the employment aspects of commercial transactions. KTC said that as a partner, Chapman will continue to apply her global knowledge to her work with the firm.

Worthy and Chapman’s inclusion brings the number of partners at KTC up to six. The firm said that the partnership’s expansion is indicative of its success and increasing base of clients.