Top NZ firm takes special counsel from global giant in Sydney

The senior lawyer headed her previous firm’s Australian commercial real estate team

Top NZ firm takes special counsel from global giant in Sydney

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has welcomed back a senior lawyer from a global law firm in Australia. 

Karen Ryder has returned to New Zealand from Sydney, where she was part of Baker McKenzie for 22 years. She was a partner at the global firm’s Australian commercial real estate team for 15 years, including as practice head for six years.

The new special counsel is an international real estate expert with extensive experience acting for European, US, and Asian real estate funds on their portfolios in Australia and New Zealand.

“Karen is a talented lawyer with expertise in cross-border real estate deals, which fits nicely with our firm’s international reach and connection to the MinterEllison legal group,” said Andrew Poole, MinterEllisonRuddWatts chief executive.

Ryder’s legal career began at the MinterEllison group, where she has been senior associate in both New Zealand and Australia.

"The decision to re-join MinterEllisonRuddWatts was easy. It’s a homecoming of sorts, given that it’s where I first stepped foot in a law firm, and where I have retained several old friends whose values I share,” Ryder said. “I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and contacts in Australia and New Zealand to provide an effective trans-Tasman platform for off-shore and local clients investing in those regions.”

Recent articles & video

NZ Law Awards 2024 to honour firms of varying sizes and specialisations

Government aims to introduce Public Works Act Amendment Bill in mid-2025

Consultation is open on revised broadband marketing guidelines

Pitfalls to avoid when adopting Legal AI

Hogan Lovells welcomes former Federal Trade Commission deputy chief trial counsel Jennifer Fleury

New Georgian law sparks fears in LGBTQ+ community ahead of Parliamentary elections

Most Read Articles

Lawset, an association of medium-sized firms in New Zealand, has launched

Final week to nominate for Future Legal Leaders 2025

Pitfalls to avoid when adopting Legal AI

Court of Appeal affirms producer statements can lead to liability under Building Act