27 June 1952 to 14 March 2016

On 14 March 2016, we lost a valued colleague and friend.

Dennis started his legal career in Invercargill after studying at Victoria and Otago universities, obtaining degrees in mathematics, economics and law.  In 1981 Dennis accepted a job at Till Greiner Lee in New Plymouth and became a partner 4 years later. In 2006 Dennis and his wife Yvonne stepped out to form their own firm Dennis King Law Ltd.  Daughter Claudia joined the practice in 2008, becoming a Director soon after and then Dennis handed over the mantle of Managing Director in 2011. Son Fraser, also a lawyer, joined the practice for a couple of years after graduating in 2009.  In 2012, Claudia and Dennis set up an online legal service, the award-winning Legal Beagle, which offered a new generation of New Zealanders the opportunity to get their legal advice conveniently online for a fixed fee.  But this was a mere pre-cursor to a much bigger project, “Automio” - the development of document assembly software. A month before succumbing to cancer Dennis was able to attend the demo of Automio as it neared completion.

Dennis will be rememberd for being a powerful leader, an excellent boss, an inspirational colleague and, above all, a fun and deeply caring friend. 

22 December 1947 - 21 June 2014

On 21 June 2014, we lost a valued colleague and friend.

Jim was admitted to the Bar in 1971.  He worked at Weston Ward & Lascelles initially as a Staff Solicitor and after a period of time working overseas, returned and became a Partner at Weston Ward & Lascelles in 1979, a position he held through to his death. 

Jim was a gentleman of absolute integrity.  He is well missed by all who knew and respected him.

John was a major contributor to the Executive with decision making regarding governance, direction and development.

He was also a member of the LANZ Benevolent Fund Subcommittee.

John was until his retirement a Partner of Nolan's, Gisborne.

With over 25 years provincial experience in all areas of legal practice (other than criminal work), John has a broad appreciation of the issues affecting and impacting on other similar LANZ firms.

Director of Weston Ward & Lascelles, Christchurch

David was part of the original LANZ leadership team and worked closely with Allan Gallagher, LANZ's founder, in the formulation and implementation of all things LANZ as from December 2008.

He went on to be the first LANZ member to be appointed by Gallagher to the LANZ Board on incorporation and did not retire from the Board, and even then only by way of rotation, until October 2014 by which time he had also been LANZ's second Chairman for a term of two years.

During his tenure, David was heavily involved in the setting up of many key LANZ initiatives, including the very important banking package that we all continue to enjoy today.

David heads the commercial/property team at Weston Ward & Lascelles (an old Canterbury firm established in Christchurch in 1993).

Weston Ward & Lascelles was a founding LANZ member firm and continues to support all of LANZ's initatives.

CEO of Firmsy, New Plymouth

Claudia was elected to the Executive of LANZ in October 2012.

Prior to establishing Firmsy Claudia is the Managing Director of New Plymouth Law Firm, Dennis King Law.

With degrees in law and social science Claudia has experience in a broad range of commercial law matters and her expertise includes Commercial & Corporate, Tax Law, Trusts & Estate Planning, Intellectual Property, Employment Law, and Retirement Villages Law.

The LANZ initiatives that Claudia is particularly interested in are the Induction Course for Junior Lawyers (known to some as the LANZ Boot-Camp) aimed at helping young Lawyers kick start their careers, and the sharing of knowledge between member Firms through the LANZ website. Claudia aims to bring colour and flair to all that she does and believes a youthful perspective is beneficial for the effective governance of LANZ.

Claudia is married to Brent Youngson and they enjoy being surrounded by their animals on their lifestyle block.

Principal of Savage Law, Whangarei

Tony has a commercial background as a company owner, a financial adviser and has prior experience with groups on national law firms.

He was on the LANZ and Auckland District Law Society Technology Committees.

Tony helps member firms cope with future change in the practice of law by considering and recommending technology solutions.

Clayton was until 2022 a director of Cargill Stent Clarke, and was a member of the LANZ Executive from October 2015 to 2018.

Clayton has lived and practiced law in the Taupo District since 1985. A graduate of Victoria University, he currently practices in the Commercial/Property/Trust Law areas having some years previously been a Litigator. 

Clayton has wide experience in governance matters, was Mayor of the Taupo District from 2001-2007 and is currently Chair of the Lake Taupo Protection Trust and Trustee/Patron of a number of other organisations.  

Married to Sue, they have two sons and still love the lifestyle and opportunities the Central Plateau has to offer.

Director in Weston Ward & Lascelles, Christchurch

Kristy was a member of the LANZ Executive from October 2014, was elected Chair in 2019, and her term on the Executive came to an end in 2021.

Kristy graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1985.

She joined the firm Weston Ward & Lascelles in 1986 and became a Partner in 1991.

Kristy has practiced as a litigator for many years and has a wide range of experience in all areas of law. Her specialty is in Family Law. She has been appointed by the Court to represent children and young people in the Family Court, the High Court, and Youth Court. 

Kristy is married to Nigel and they have three daughters.

David joined the LANZ Executive in February 2011 and held the position of LANZ Treasurer from 2014-2016. 

David practiced law since 1973.

He has worked in property law and most areas associated with general practice. 

Chairman

Peter Jefferies is the current Chair of Law Alliance NZ Limited.

Peter has a long history with LANZ and it’s Executive.  He was first elected to the Executive of LANZ in October 2010 and has acted as Chair, Secretary and Treasurer before stepping down in 2019.

In 2021 Peter returned to support the Executive to finalise arrangements for transitioning Allan Gallagher’s role to our new Executive Officer, Tony Steindle.  Peter continued as Interim Chair before rejoining the Executive in 2022 as Chair.

Peter has extensive experience of all things LANZ and brings to the Board a down to earth approach with a 'no-nonsense' desire to find solutions and direction for LANZ that continue to enhance the businesses and social aspirations of its Firms.

Peter specialises mainly in property and commercial law including acquisitions, financing, property development, unit titles, asset protection, and also leads the Maori Legal Issues Team at Jefferies Law.  Peter brings a commercial focus that assists many large Maori entities in areas of governance, administration and developing sustainable commercial opportunities.

Outside of the office, Peter also sits on the Executive of the New Zealand Maori Council where he has a special interest in developing affordable housing and employment opportunities for Maori.  

Peter also enjoys spending time with his wife Poni, their 6 children and 11 grandchildren.