About

There aren’t many lawyers in New Zealand’s startup ecosystem that are as active and experienced as I am. As a co-founder and director of Avid.legal, I have a special interest in working with entrepreneurs, high-growth/technology companies, and venture capital investors. My clients appreciate my clear, pragmatic advice and adept handling of capital raising and M&A transactions.

I’m an active contributor to New Zealand’s industry standard equity investment documentation (AANZ templates), and regularly provide education sessions to founders and investors about capital strategy, cap table management and employee share schemes (ESOPs). 

Earlier in my career, I spent six years advising on top-tier international M&A transactions and commercial arrangements with magic circle law firm Clifford Chance. I bring unique insights into deal-making across different cultures in both emerging and mature markets, and am a member of the German — New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. Having worked internationally, I maintain connections with lawyers and other advisers in international markets, and use my networks to assist our clients’ international ambitions.

Career

2016 - present
Co-founded Avid.legal
2014 - 2016
Another national New Zealand firm
2008 - 2014
Clifford Chance (Germany and Russia)
2005 - 2008
Another national New Zealand firm

Professional

Admitted to practise in New Zealand in 2006

Admitted to practise in England & Wales in 2010 (non-practising)

LLB(Hons) / BCA(Hons), Victoria University of Wellington

Areas of expertise

Capital raisings (for entrepreneurs, companies, venture capital funds, and other types of investors)
Shareholder arrangements
Employee share schemes (ESOPs)
Product development
Data privacy
Commercial and IP collaborations
Strategic projects
M&A transactions

Get in touch

Looking for a law firm that understands innovators? That’s us. Let’s talk.

Contact
Avid Legal

Get in Touch

Level 2
32 Blair Street
Wellington 6011
PO Box 11677
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Avid Legal

Looking for More?
Partnering for Your Complete Success

At Avid.legal, we pride ourselves on our deep expertise in corporate, finance, commercial, technology, and data law. However, we understand the complexities of business often requires a broader array of specialties. That's where our philosophy of collaboration shines.

Embracing a Collaborative Approach

We know our strengths, and we celebrate them. Equally, we recognise the value that specialised partners bring to the table in areas like employment, property, tax, competition, IP registration and litigation. It's about complementing our expertise with theirs, ensuring you receive well-rounded, comprehensive advice.

A Partnership That Extends Beyond Avid.legal

Our commitment to your success involves taking the "right horse for the right course" approach, unrestricted by the four walls of a traditional full-service law firm. We have longstanding relationships with several specialist law firms that we partner with across a range of clients and matters.  We advocate for these partners because we believe they can offer the best service to meet your specific needs. We find this to be of enormous benefit to our clients.

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