Immigration

Rob Davidson of Davidson Legal is widely considered to be one of New Zealand’s leading immigration practitioners. Rob has considerable experience in this area and has probably acted on far more successful permanent residence applications and temporary application than most other lawyers in New Zealand.

 

Davidson Legal can also provide legal advice on business structuring and asset planning as these areas relate to immigration. Rob and his team can assist with virtually all temporary and permanent applications for permits and visas.

Immigration can be a stressful process for applicants. We try and take all of the mystery out of the process by providing robust and transparent advice to our clients.

We believe we enjoy one of the most highly respected relationships with the relevant government officials, including senior Immigration New Zealand, Work and Income and Labour Department managers. We have also traditionally enjoyed very sound working relationships with various Ministers of Immigration over the last 10 years or so and have obtained a very high percentage of successful determinations of Special Directions.

Another major source of work for Davidson Legal in the immigration sector is where people come and see us after mistakes have been made with their applications. We are then required to correct these mistakes. In these circumstances we enjoy a very strong reputation. It is a constant source of amazement for us how many people come unstuck in terms of their immigration status.

Sometimes this is attributable to misunderstandings or sometimes because of being given inadequate or defective advice. Our preference is that people see us before making these mistakes, but we are always willing, ready and able to step in and resolve issues which have arisen in these situations.

 
 

Property

Our team has substantial experience and a proven track record in advising and assisting clients on a range of matters relating the sale and purchase of residential, commercial, rural and industrial property, greenfield and unit-title subdivisions, commercial leases including shop and hotel leases to banking and financing.

For many people buying and selling a house will be the largest single transaction that they will ever make, and although conveyancing can be straight-forward, sometimes mistakes can be costly, so we are here to help you understand and navigate the regulatory and legislative framework, protect you from hidden risks, explain the lengthy paperwork, and ensure your transaction is as smooth as possible. Accordingly, we strongly recommend that you contact us as early as possible when dealing with property to ensure that we can add value to your requirements.

 We will do our best to ensure that your transaction is completed smoothly and efficiently and we undertake to keep you informed throughout the transaction as to progress. Our fees are highly competitive and we can also assist with structuring your purchase for future proofing your assets which may require the formation of a family trust, a limited liability company, an LAQC or any other entity appropriate to your requirements.

 
 

Business & Commercial

Our philosophy is to ensure that you can just pick up the phone and speak directly with us for some straightforward, practical and good advice in respect of whatever business dealing or dispute you are currently facing.

As a business ourselves, we have a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations and issues a business faces which range from employment agreements, procurement and supply contracts, leasing agreements, financing arrangements, strategic alliances and other business arrangements.

We aim to stand in your shoes to create a comprehensive understanding of your business or your issues, and help you realise the full potential of your business by implementing effective policies, creating solutions or opportunities, and managing risks. Some of the areas of commercial legal practice in which our team are able to assist, include:

  • Drafting and Negotiating Commercial contracts

  • Sales and Purchases of businesses of all sizes

  • Company and business structures and formations

  • Joint ventures/partnerships

  • Directors duties and obligations

  • Franchising, Licensing and Distribution agreements

  • Commercial financing

  • Shareholder agreements and dispute resolution.

 
 

Employment

Rob Davidson has been providing high quality advice and representation to employees and employers on employment agreements, employment problems and the laws governing them since 1987.

Over the years we have represented many people in different circumstances. This has included representing employers and employees with workplace relationship problems, complaints, restructuring, discipline, termination and/or the ending of an employment relationship, and reviewing employment agreements and workplace policies. We represent people at Mediation, before the Employment Relations Authority, at the Employment Court and if required in the High Court.

Problems in the work place can be incredibly distressing for employers and employees alike. It is highly recommended that people with employment related issues obtain appropriate advice as early as possible in order to resolve issues as quickly and painlessly as possible. We know through our vast experience that our intervention, particularly at an early stage can protect both employers and employees from expensive litigation and provide them with resources that are easy to apply.

 
 

Estate Planning
& Asset Protection

Asset planning is a commonly overlooked part of our daily lives, and this is where our expertise comes into play.

We advise on the appropriate legal structures to be adopted where clients wish to protect their personal interests from their business risks and to preserve their assets for retirement or for their children.

The Formation of Family Trusts and the operating of them, the structuring of affairs to reduce or avoid estate duty, and the drafting of Wills, all require expert care and advice and provide a linkage between the major areas of expertise within the firm. We have the expertise to recommend and put in place the best plan for each client.

  • Will preparation and advice

  • Application for probate or Letters of Administration, Estates administration and dealing with next of kin or beneficiaries

  • Formation of Family Trusts

  • Estate planning and asset protection schemes

  • Advice to Trustees on their obligations

  • Power of Attorney.