Local government specialist Jessica Easton will lead the firm’s new office
Meredith Connell (MC) has promoted 21 lawyers across its partnership, senior associate and associate ranks, and has appointed local government specialist Jessica Easton as a partner to lead its new Tauranga Moana office.
The promotions include six new partners, eight senior associates and eight associates. MC said the appointments recognise lawyers who have made significant contributions to clients and colleagues and underscore the firm’s commitment to developing future leaders.
"These promotions recognise lawyers who have made a real impact for our clients and colleagues and reflect our confidence in the next generation of lawyers stepping into leadership roles at MC," Sean Kinsler, chair of MC’s management board, said in a statement.
Kinsler also welcomed Easton to the partnership, saying her expertise in local government would strengthen the firm’s practice in that area and support the establishment of its new office in Tauranga Moana.
Easton is recognised for her work in local government and natural hazard risk and resilience. She advises in-house legal and executive teams on responding to and recovering from major natural hazard and disaster events across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The firm’s new partners also include Daniel McGivern, Danielle Christoffersen, David Wiseman, Elena Mok and Sarah Murphy.
McGivern is a commercial litigator who advises government agencies, regulators and corporate clients on complex disputes and investigations. He recently returned from London, where he worked on global competition disputes.
Christoffersen specialises in property transactions, including matters involving proceeds of crime and insolvency. She also advises on trusts and property matters and has practised in both New Zealand and Australia.
Wiseman focuses on regulatory and commercial litigation, with expertise in financial services, civil forfeiture and corporate regulation and enforcement. He recently returned to MC from Sydney.
Mok advises regulators and professional bodies on disciplinary prosecutions and regulatory proceedings. She is experienced in regulatory, civil litigation, and Crown prosecution matters.
Murphy is a senior Crown prosecutor with trial, regulatory enforcement and appellate experience in the District Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal. She mentors and trains junior prosecutors, and brings valuable international experience to MC.
The firm also promoted Conrad Purdon, Emma Kerr, Erandi Rangamuwa, Helen Brown, Lucy Wesley-Smith, Michael Kilkelly, Pip McNabb and Ryan Benic to senior associate.
Ben Bosomworth, Carissa Jordan, Elise McDowell, Grant Young, Jakob Gibson, Madeleine Purcell, Natanahira Herewini and Olivia Kazmierow were promoted to associate.
MC said it has a longstanding tradition of developing lawyers who go on to hold leadership positions across the legal profession, including appointments as king’s counsel, judges, crown solicitors and solicitors-general.
The Auckland-based firm has served as the office of the crown solicitor for more than 100 years and is known for its public interest litigation and advisory work for central and local government clients.
