Wynn Williams' Alice Balme showcased agility both in-house and in private practice
Agility is crucial for local government lawyers – something Wynn Williams partner and 2022 Rising Star Alice Balme has demonstrated.
“As an experienced local government lawyer, Alice’s true strength is in understanding how local government works from within,” the firm explained. “Having spent five years at Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), she understands that every day can be different for a local government lawyer, so we need to be agile in our approach and our ability to respond to issues as they arise.”
Balme joined Wynn Williams last year following her stint at the QLDC, where she headed up a six-strong legal team that provided legal and risk management services. While with the council, she also helmed the development of a legal request management system that facilitated easy legal access in the organisation, as well as the efficient resolution of issues.
“Alice’s experience in the local government space means that she can anticipate when a matter might trigger specific obligations under the LGA or other relevant legislation where that might not be readily apparent,” Wynn Williams said.
The firm also lauded Balme’s deft navigation of a challenging environment.
“Alice’s in-house experience gives her a valuable perspective on the issues local government clients face and how to best respond in a political and pressured environment,” Wynn Williams said.
“With the relevance of local government and environmental law not too far removed from any business operating within New Zealand, her insight and guidance has been of enormous value to senior and junior solicitors across the firm.”
Balme was recently named legal counsel to the Te Tai o Poutini Plan Committee for a new combined district plan for the West Coast.
Alice Balme is listed among this year’s crop of Rising Stars.
