Davidson Legal Team
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Founder
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Rob who slipped away in the early hours of the morning on 7 August 2020.
As you will know, Rob was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
He has had an amazing and full life, and as the end drew near, the stories we heard of his kindness, acts of generosity and support for people in their time of need, have increased our sense of pride in all he has achieved.
He has touched so many lives from so many different communities, and made a real difference.
We wish to reassure you that the firm is still operating per normal with Tim and Sarah at the helm, and we will continue Rob's legacy of providing the best care and assistance that we can.
If you wish to follow up or have any questions, please email Sarah Wong at sarah@davidsonlegal.co.nz.
Alternatively, please call the office on 03-365 6050 and your call will be directed to the appropriate person who will be able to assist you.
Director LLB
Tim has worked in the legal profession since 1993 and joined Davidson Legal Limited as a Director of the firm in 2015. Tim has always maintained a friendly and approachable philosophy with a focus on practical advice and results.
Tim’s area of work has a strong commercial and property focus, with experience in business sales and purchases generally with an emphasis on the hospitality industry. He also has experience in the property development sphere, and has acted for many land developers and subdividers. That has also meant a background in commercial financing and funding, and an ability to provide an overview on structuring. Tim also has experience in all facets of trust and estate management. Tim has a strong referral network of like-minded experts who can assist when called upon.
Email: tim@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 550 0640
Mobile: +64 27 537 9930
Director LLB
Sarah studied at the University of Canterbury and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Law. She was admitted to the Bar in November 2015 after having previously worked for Davidson Legal as a Law Clerk since 2014, and became a Director of the firm in 2020.
Sarah currently works across a number of areas including employment, immigration, commercial, property, subdivision, trusts, asset protection and estate work. She has found that being able to pull knowledge and experience from such a broad range of areas has been a great benefit to clients who oftentimes present multifaceted practice issues.
Sarah is originally from Malaysia and is fluent in English, Chinese Mandarin and Malay. Sarah greatly values having lived in two different countries and being able to experience a range of different cultures. Her general philosophy in law is one of patience, flexibility and thoroughness.
Email: sarah@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 550 0643
Mobile: +64 22 697 3322
Associate LLB
Michelle joined Davidson Legal in 2016 as a Law Clerk. She subsequently completed her LLB and was admitted to the bar in 2018.
Michelle specialises in Immigration and Employment. She has assisted many different applicants in obtaining visas and residency in NZ. Michelle also has experience with Deportation and Residency appeals to the Immigration Protection Tribunal and making special direction requests to the Immigration Minister.
With employment Michelle has experience in representing both the employer and employee. She has also dealt with a range of MBIE prosecutions whether its employment or immigration related.
Other than Immigration and Employment, Michelle can also deal with Relationship Property, Commercial Transactions such as selling and buying business, reviewing leases, Residential Conveyancing and minor criminal matters.
Michelle migrated to NZ at a really young age with her family. This gives Michelle the benefit of a detailed understanding both cultures and she is also bilingual. She is fluent in both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin).
Email: michelle@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 4639
Mobile: +64 21 303 863
Registered Legal Executive
Andy was born in China and came to New Zealand in 2000. He studied at the University of Waikato and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Commerce majoring in Marketing and Communication. Andy has a native command of English as well as retaining his Chinese language skills in Cantonese, Taiwanese and Mandarin. He is well known and beloved by clients for his friendly, outgoing and approachable personality.
Andy initially worked with Rob as a specialist Immigration Consultant, and contributed greatly to the efficient and effective management of our immigration practice as well undertaking a broad range of immigration work with a high rate of success for his clients. He then became a Registered Legal Executive in June 2015 and has widened his areas of practice to include property transaction, refinancing, and business transactions.
Through Andy’s experience gained while living in China and New Zealand, he has a broad understanding of different nationalities, cultures and lifestyles. His multi-lingual abilities in Cantonese, Taiwanese, Mandarin and English has assisted many Asian immigrants in New Zealand who encounter difficulties in communicating their needs.
Outside of law, Andy has a passion for sport, including body building, swimming and basketball. He is also a keen cook and loves nothing better than preparing and cooking beautiful food at home.
Email: andy@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 550 0642
Mobile: +64 21 923 981
Senior Solicitor LLB
Iris started her clerkship at Davidson Legal in 2015 while she was pursuing her law studies at the University of Canterbury. She was admitted to the NZ Bar in 2020 and became a registered solicitor after obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Law.
Being a bilingual solicitor with migrant background, Iris has developed both a cultural and practical understanding of the need of her clients from different cultures, ethnicities and generations.
Iris now focuses on the areas of immigration, property and commercial law, but she is always happy to apply her legal knowledge to help clients with wills, estate, enduring powers of attorney and other legal matters.
Iris is a cat lover and enjoys doing Yoga, skiing and outdoor activities in her spare time.
Email: iris@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 3009
Mobile: +64 204 092 6518
Registered Legal Executive
Nikki is a registered legal executive who has worked in law since finishing high school. Nikki has been registered as a legal executive since 2010. Nikki joined the team at Davidson Legal in October 2024. Nikki specialises in residential conveyancing and can assist with property sale and purchases, Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney. Nikki is also the Treasurer of Legal Executives New Zealand (Canterbury Southern Branch). In her spare time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her young family and friends, going to the gym and being in the sunshine.
Email: nikki@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 550 0641
Mobile: +64 27 816 3538
Employment Relations Advisor
Marty is an employment relations advisor, having worked in the field of industrial relations for more than 30 years, both in New Zealand and Australia.
Although not a lawyer, Marty has worked mainly with the tertiary education unions in New Zealand and Western Australia representing workers with employment relationship problems and negotiating employment agreements. He worked for Davidson Legal in 2011-12 and returned in 2018.
Outside of work, Marty enjoys watching sport, listening to music and having plenty of time consumed by grandchildren.
Email: marty@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Mobile: +64 27 574 9021
Phone: +64 3 365 6050
Receptionist/Legal Assistant
Jenny Lin graduated in Taiwan with a diploma in finance management and worked for Tredi (French Company) in Taiwan as a personal assistant.
In 2002, Jenny moved to New Zealand and worked for a language school as a student counsel for five years, and then worked for an immigration consultancy as a personal assistant for two more years.
Jenny has been working for Davidson Legal as a legal assistant/receptionist since 2011. She supports the professional teams specialising in immigration, conveyancing and commercial.
Outside of work, she enjoys meeting people and sharing life experiences with others.
Email: jenny@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: + 64 3 740 1748
Trust Account Administrator
Paula joined Davidson Legal as a Trust Account Administrator in October 2022.
Paula is responsible for all Trust account activities and Bookkeeping for the Firm. With over 20 years’ experience working in Law Firms in New Zealand and Western Australia.
Paula brings a wealth of knowledge.
Email: paula@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 2511
Legal Secretary
Lauren joined Davidson Legal Limited at the beginning of 2023 as a Legal Secretary.
Lauren is currently studying part time at Open Polytechnic to get her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies.
Lauren assists Diane and Tim, in a variety of areas including residential conveyancing, wills, estates, trust and all matters of administration.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys skiing, outdoor activities and keeping active at the gym.
Lauren is currently away on maternity leave.
Email: lauren@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 4638
Legal Secretary
Winnie joined Davidson Legal in August 2023 becoming a valuable member of the team. She graduated with a Master of Arts majoring in English from Hebei University, China. She is bi-lingual speaking both Mandarin Chinese and English.
While working with us Winnie received her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies from Open Polytechnic in January 2024 and became a Registered Legal Executive in September 2024. Winnie primary works with Andy and Michelle assisting in Immigration and Conveyancing.
Winnie brings an exceeding eye for detail to her work having previously worked in various managerial positions for over a decade, both locally and overseas in her home-country of Mainland China.
Winnie enjoys the comfort of their own space, where you’ll find her find her unwinding, listening to music and enjoying her spare time when she isn’t working at the firm, being a store manager and a mum.
Email: winnie@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 4637
Law Clerk
ET was born in South Africa where he pursued a BCom LLB at the University of Pretoria, graduating in 2019 with a BCom: Law degree majoring in Business Macroeconomics and Law. In 2020 he moved to New Zealand to complete his LLB at the University of Canterbury.
ET joined the Davidson Legal Team as a law clerk in November 2023 after completing his LLB and is aiming to be admitted to the BAR in early of 2025. He works closely with Tim Hill and Iris Luo, assistings them in the areas of with Trusts & Estates, Commercial & Residential Property and Wills.
With his South African background, a country with 11 Official Languages and often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation”, ET has a broad understanding of diverse nationalities, cultures, and lifestyles. He is trilingual, fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Afrikaans and recognizes the importance of effective communication with individuals from varied linguistic backgrounds.
Email: entao@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 4618
Law Clerk
Ryan joined Davidson Legal as a Law Clerk in 2024 having graduated from the University of Canterbury with an LLB and BCom in marketing.
Ryan works with Sarah Wong and Nikki Riach with a primary focus in conveyancing and commercial work.
Ryan is fluent in English and can also converse in Cantonese. Prior to joining Davidson Legal, Ryan worked at Christchurch City Libraries which enabled him to experience the rich diversity of our community. He is always eager to assist clients with their legal needs.
Outside the office, you will find Ryan practicing yoga, mountain biking, or enjoying the local arts scene. He enjoys live music, art galleries, and participating in drawing classes with his friends.
Email: ryan@davidsonlegal.co.nz
Direct: +64 3 741 4638
Phone: +64 03 365 6050