Russell McVeagh promotes two to senior associate

Fresh from announcing five new partners and four new special counsel, Russell McVeagh has announced the promotion of two lawyers to senior posts.

Both based in Auckland, Hamish Beckett of the corporate advisory team and Rachel O’Brien of the litigation practice are the new senior associates of the firm.

Beckett, who joined the firm in 2013, is a specialist in M&A, private equity transactions, overseas investment, joint venture arrangements, and a broad range of commercial contracts and general corporate matters. He is a trusted adviser known for his technical skills and ability to calmly guide clients through complex transactions with pragmatic advice, the firm said. He acts for key corporate clients, which include Fonterra, the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, Lion, Woolworths, Healthscope, and the Riverside Company.

O'Brien joined the firm in 2016 from Clyde & Co in Dubai, where she was a senior associate. Prior to the Middle East, she was based in London and worked with Slaughter and May and Bird & Bird. She has significant experience in IP, data protection and privacy law. She is especially qualified to advise on technical mechanical, chemical and pharmaceutical cases. Because of her scientific background, the firm said. She regularly advises clients on issues concerning international and local trade mark, copyright, and patent disputes. She also provides contentious and non-contentious advice in relation to all forms of IP; coordinates litigation actions, including across multiple jurisdictions; and advises clients on privacy and data protection obligations.

Hamish Beckett and Rachel O'Brien