50 Employment Law Partners at Law Firms in New Zealand
- Jonno White
- 7 days ago
- 20 min read
Checked 11 August 2026. This listicle identifies current Partners and senior employment specialists at New Zealand law firms using first-party firm pages. It is a research shortlist, not a ranking or endorsement.
Employment law changes quickly, and titles, teams and locations can move. Check the linked source page and confirm current availability, conflicts and fit before making contact.
1. Kate Ashcroft
Kate Ashcroft is a Partner at Ashcroft Mitchell McGregor, listed in Auckland and Tauranga. The listed practice is employment law and workplace advice, which is relevant to workplace issues and employment disputes. The firm directory lists Kate as a Partner serving Auckland and Tauranga.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
2. Myriam Mitchell
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Myriam Mitchell is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law and workplace advice, which is relevant to workplace issues and employment disputes. The firm directory lists Myriam as a Partner serving Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
3. Christie McGregor
A current first-party source places Christie McGregor with Ashcroft Mitchell McGregor as a Partner. The listed practice is employment law and workplace advice, which is relevant to workplace issues and employment disputes. The current team page places Christie in Tauranga as a Partner.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
4. Shi Sheng Cai
The strongest reason to include Shi Sheng Cai is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law and workplace advice, which is relevant to workplace issues and employment disputes. The current team page lists Shi Sheng Cai as a Partner in Auckland.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
5. Blair Edwards
Blair Edwards stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law and workplace relations. The listed practice is employment law and workplace relations, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. The team page identifies Blair as Managing Partner of the specialist employment law firm.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
6. Aishleen Sluiters
Aishleen Sluiters is a Partner at Edwards Sluiters, listed in New Zealand. The listed practice is employment law and workplace relations, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. The team page identifies Aishleen as a Partner in the specialist employment law firm.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
7. Johanna Drayton
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Johanna Drayton is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law and workplace investigations, which is relevant to complex workplace disputes and investigations. The firm says Johanna has more than 25 years after admission and works with public and private employers.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
8. Jordan Boyle
A current first-party source places Jordan Boyle with Dyhrberg Drayton as a Partner. The listed practice is employment law and workplace investigations, which is relevant to complex workplace disputes and investigations. The current people page lists Jordan as a Partner in the firm’s employment practice.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
9. Angela Evans
The strongest reason to include Angela Evans is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. BE Employment Law describes Angela as a founding Partner and employment law specialist.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
10. Emma Butcher
Emma Butcher stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. BE Employment Law describes Emma as a founding Partner.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
11. Emma Peterson
Emma Peterson is a Partner at Russell McVeagh, listed in Auckland. The listed practice is employment, health and safety law, which is relevant to personal grievances, restraints, restructures and workplace disputes. Russell McVeagh lists Emma as an Auckland Partner and notes her recognition in Best Lawyers 2026 and Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
12. Marie Wisker
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Marie Wisker is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law, health and safety, and disputes, which is relevant to employment matters through the full employment life cycle. Chapman Tripp lists Marie as a Partner on its national employment team.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
13. Vonda Engels
A current first-party source places Vonda Engels with Chapman Tripp as a Partner. The listed practice is employment law, health and safety, and disputes, which is relevant to employment matters through the full employment life cycle. Chapman Tripp lists Vonda as a Partner on its national employment team.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
14. Liz Coats
The strongest reason to include Liz Coats is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and safety matters. Bell Gully lists Liz as an Auckland Partner and specialist employment lawyer.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
Source: Bell Gully profile or team page
15. Rachael Brown
Rachael Brown stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment, public law and health and safety. The listed practice is employment, public law and health and safety, which is relevant to employment matters involving public bodies and workplace risk. Bell Gully lists Rachael as a Wellington Partner with employment experience alongside public law and Māori legal issues.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
Source: Bell Gully profile or team page
16. Rosemary Wooders
Rosemary Wooders is a Partner at Bell Gully, listed in Auckland. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice and workplace health and safety matters. Bell Gully lists Rosemary as an Auckland Partner with employment and workplace health and safety experience.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
Source: Bell Gully profile or team page
17. Megan Evans
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Megan Evans is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment and public law, which is relevant to complex employment matters and public sector workplace issues. MinterEllisonRuddWatts describes Megan as an internationally recognised employment and public law specialist with more than 30 years’ experience.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
18. Gillian Service
A current first-party source places Gillian Service with MinterEllisonRuddWatts as a Partner. The listed practice is employment, industrial relations, health and safety, privacy and human rights, which is relevant to people risk and changing workplace obligations. MinterEllisonRuddWatts describes Gillian’s practice as covering employment, industrial relations, health and safety, privacy and human rights.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
19. June Hardacre
The strongest reason to include June Hardacre is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace change and disputes. The firm’s current employment team page lists June as a Partner.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
20. Aaron Lloyd
Aaron Lloyd stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace change and disputes. The firm’s current employment team page lists Aaron as a Partner.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
21. Phillipa Muir
Phillipa Muir is a Partner at Simpson Grierson, listed in New Zealand. The listed practice is employment law and workplace disputes, which is relevant to complex employment disputes and appellate litigation. Simpson Grierson describes Phillipa as a specialist and leading employment lawyer and current Chair.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
22. John Rooney
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, John Rooney is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law and workplace disputes, which is relevant to complex employment disputes and workplace change. The firm’s current employment recruitment page identifies John as one of its experienced Employment Partners.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
23. Rebecca Rendle
A current first-party source places Rebecca Rendle with Simpson Grierson as a Partner. The listed practice is employment law and workplace disputes, which is relevant to complex employment disputes and workplace change. The firm’s current employment recruitment page identifies Rebecca as one of its experienced Employment Partners.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
24. Bronwyn Heenan
The strongest reason to include Bronwyn Heenan is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law and workplace disputes, which is relevant to complex employment disputes and workplace change. A current Simpson Grierson employment update identifies Bronwyn as an Employment Partner.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
25. Rachael Judge
Rachael Judge stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law and workplace disputes. The listed practice is employment law and workplace disputes, which is relevant to complex employment disputes and workplace change. Simpson Grierson’s current partnership news identifies Rachael as an Employment Law Partner.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
26. Emma von Veh
Emma von Veh is a Partner at Buddle Findlay, listed in Wellington. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. Buddle Findlay lists Emma as a Wellington Partner on its current employment team page.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
27. Hamish Kynaston
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Hamish Kynaston is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. Buddle Findlay lists Hamish as a Wellington Partner on its current employment team page.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
28. Helen Pryde
A current first-party source places Helen Pryde with Buddle Findlay as a Partner. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. Buddle Findlay lists Helen as an Auckland Partner on its current employment team page.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
29. Shaun Brookes
The strongest reason to include Shaun Brookes is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace change. Buddle Findlay lists Shaun as a Christchurch Partner on its current employment team page.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
30. Sherridan Cook
Sherridan Cook stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law and commercial litigation. The listed practice is employment law and commercial litigation, which is relevant to employment disputes, advocacy and workplace change. Buddle Findlay lists Sherridan as an Auckland Partner and National Chair on its current employment team page.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
31. Fiona McMillan
Fiona McMillan is a Partner at Lane Neave, listed in Auckland. The listed practice is employment law and workplace relations, which is relevant to employment relations, health and safety, human rights and restructures. Lane Neave identifies Fiona as the Auckland Partner of its Employment Law team.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
Source: Lane Neave profile or team page
32. Andy Bell
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Andy Bell is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment law and dispute resolution, which is relevant to employment mediation, litigation and workplace disputes. Lane Neave describes Andy as an experienced litigator and a prolific Wellington practitioner in MBIE employment mediation.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
Source: Lane Neave profile or team page
33. Charlotte Parkhill
A current first-party source places Charlotte Parkhill with Dentons New Zealand as a Partner. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to workforce change, disputes, investigations and dismissals. Dentons describes Charlotte as a Partner in its employment team handling complex employment issues and litigation.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
34. Renee Butler
The strongest reason to include Renee Butler is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to restructurings, dismissals, investigations and Employment Court matters. Dentons describes Renee as a Wellington Partner advising public and private clients on employment and health and safety matters.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
35. James Warren
James Warren stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment and workplace health and safety law. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to workforce change, disputes, restructures and investigations. Dentons describes James as an Auckland Partner in employment and workplace health and safety.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
36. Greg Cain
Greg Cain is a Partner at Dentons New Zealand, listed in Wellington. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to workplace risk, investigations and employment disputes. Dentons describes Greg as leading its Wellington employment and health and safety team.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
37. Laura Scampion
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Laura Scampion is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment and workplace health and safety law, which is relevant to restructuring, employment risk and workplace change. DLA Piper identifies Laura as Country Managing Partner New Zealand and Head of Employment in New Zealand.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
38. Carl Blake
A current first-party source places Carl Blake with DLA Piper New Zealand as a Partner. The listed practice is employment, workplace health and safety and privacy, which is relevant to employment risk, workplace change and disputes. DLA Piper describes Carl as an Auckland Partner in its employment practice with more than 25 years’ experience.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
39. Jodi Sharman
The strongest reason to include Jodi Sharman is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment law and disputes, which is relevant to workplace advice, litigation and employment disputes. Hesketh Henry says Jodi advises employees, employers and unions across the full spectrum of employment law.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
40. Alison Maelzer
Alison Maelzer stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law. The listed practice is employment law, which is relevant to employment advice and workplace change. Hesketh Henry identifies Alison as a Partner in its Employment Team.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
41. Jim Roberts
Jim Roberts is a Partner at Hesketh Henry, listed in Auckland. The listed practice is employment law and workplace health and safety, which is relevant to employment advice, disputes and workplace risk. Hesketh Henry identifies Jim as a Partner in its Employment Team.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
42. Alastair Espie
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Alastair Espie is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment and workplace investigations, which is relevant to collective bargaining, grievances, restructures and disciplinary processes. Duncan Cotterill says Alastair heads its employment practice and advises both employees and employers.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
43. Olivia Lund
A current first-party source places Olivia Lund with Duncan Cotterill as a Partner. The listed practice is employment, health and safety, and dispute resolution, which is relevant to workplace incidents, regulatory investigations and employment disputes. Duncan Cotterill says Olivia leads the Wellington employment and health and safety team.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
44. Brian Nathan
The strongest reason to include Brian Nathan is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Brian as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
45. Jessie Lapthorne
Jessie Lapthorne stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment and health and safety law. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Jessie as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
46. Kirsty McDonald
Kirsty McDonald is a Partner at Duncan Cotterill, listed in New Zealand. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Kirsty as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
That is useful when a people leader needs advice that is both legally sound and grounded in the workplace problem in front of them. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
47. Mark Lawlor
For leaders building a New Zealand employment law shortlist, Mark Lawlor is a practical name to check. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Mark as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
That makes the profile worth a closer look when the issue involves people, risk, process and the need for a clear next move. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
48. Sarah Townsend
A current first-party source places Sarah Townsend with Duncan Cotterill as a Partner. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Sarah as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
The practical test is still fit: sector knowledge, location, communication style and experience with the kind of matter now on the table. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
49. Scott Wilson
The strongest reason to include Scott Wilson is the clear connection between the current role and workplace work. The listed practice is employment and health and safety law, which is relevant to employment advice, workplace risk and disputes. Duncan Cotterill lists Scott as a Partner on its current employment specialists page.
The link below is the source used for this entry, so a reader can check the current role and practice before making contact. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.
50. Kathryn Evans
Kathryn Evans stands out in this search because the current firm source links the person to employment law and workplace matters. The listed practice is employment law and workplace matters, which is relevant to disciplinary matters and workplace change. Wynn Williams lists Kathryn as a Partner in its national employment team.
It is a useful starting point, not a recommendation to skip the normal checks on fit, availability, conflicts and recent work. Before choosing anyone, check the person’s recent matters, sector experience, approach and availability. The source page is linked below for a current check.