New Zealand Commercial Legal Services

Armed with double degrees in Law and Econometrics, Gary joined Knapps Lawyers in 1979 and specialises in commercial and business law. Gary’s vision was to create a law firm that was innovative, progressive and extremely “user friendly.” A strong community presence and lateral approach to communication has seen Knapps Lawyers place a friendly smile on legal matters.

Gary has always taken an active part in the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. He was president for two terms and is currently Chairman of the Waimea Business Group.
A classic car enthusiast, it comes as no surprise to find Gary also actively involved in the Automobile Association. Currently he is the Nelson District Chairman, a National Councillor and National Board Member.

If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy after hours, throw being an active Rotarian into the pot! Over the years Gary has held senior roles in Rotary and is currently the district legal advisor. Thank goodness, one of his last interests is wine “appreciation” with a private cellar to match!

gary@knapps.co.nz

Ian joined the Knapps team in 1991. Like Gary, he specialises in commercial and business law but also specialises in Trusts and Forestry Agreements.

Ian believes that Knapps Lawyers success comes from knowing where the firm wanted to go and having the incredible luck of managing to work with some very talented people. People who are sympathetic, technically capable and are able to deal with law on a common sense basis.

A self confessed “foodie” Ian enjoys wine, food and cooking. He can also be found curled up with a good book.

ian@knapps.co.nz

Diane has extensive knowledge of most of the "workings" of a legal office, having worked for Knapps for over 20 years in a variety of roles. She currently works alongside Gary & Ian in the Commercial Department doing all the nuts and bolts involved with business transactions. She is fast developing a speciality in sub-division work, where her attention to detail and legendary organisational skills come to the forefront.

One of her responsibilities as an Associate is to develop and oversea the firm's IT plan.

As of the 1st October 2006 Diane was made an Associate to the firm.

Diane enjoys the odd round of golf, and says nothing beats mounting biking for shaking off the stresses of the day. She has also developed a more expensive hobby of overseas travel!

diane@knapps.co.nz

Merv specializes in administering wills, family trusts and estate matters. He gains a deep sense of satisfaction from helping people at what is often a difficult time in their lives and enjoys placing a human face on the matters of law. As of the 1st October 2006 Merv was made an Associate to the firm.

Merv is a huge sports fan and would love to visit Australia to watch the Ashes and play on some of the worlds top golf courses.

merv@knapps.co.nz

Lynne trained as a legal executive while at home raising her two children – no mean feat in itself. In 2001 we knabbed her from behind the kitchen bench and for the next three years she worked in our Residential Conveyancing Department. Soon after the opportunity to work alongside Merv in the Estates Department came up which she couldn’t refuse.

These days Lynne administers Estates in addition to preparing Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney. Lynne has recently married her partner, Colin and in their spare time they go travelling in their camper van when they are not doing salsa or rock ‘n’ roll dancing.

lynne@knapps.co.nz

Gerard started with us in June 2003 after spending eleven years in Wellington city law firm, Rainey Collins Wright & Co, and became a partner in June 2006. The attractions and climate of Nelson won him over and he made the lifestyle choice to shift to Nelson to live. Gerard joined Gary and Ian in partnership in June 2006.

Gerard has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration to complement his legal qualifications and enjoys working predominantly in the field of civil litigation and resource management. His experience in litigation includes arbitration (building disputes) judicial review of administrative decisions to Privy Council level, as well as general High Court and District Court claims.

Gerard has a keen interest in rugby, which, since his retirement from competition, has filled the vacuum by coaching his son’s team.

gerard@knapps.co.nz

Claire is our most recent arrival joining the Litigation Team in October 2009 and bringing with her very specialist employment skills. Claire gained her Law Degree in 1999 and has a double degree in law and political science. Unlike many lawyers who go straight into a law firm after University, Claire spent a few years in legal roles in large government departments. She then worked for the NZ Engineering, Printing & Manufacturing Union for 3 years.

Claire brings hands on, practical employment experience coupled with legal technical knowledge which sets her apart from many other employment lawyers. When not fighting employment disputes, Claire helps her partner run a 10 acre orchard in Riwaka. She is also training to be a St John's Ambulance officer for the Motueka district. Claire enjoys a game of tennis but advises she is not the next answer to Serena Williams!

claire@knapps.co.nz

Jo is one half of our residential conveyancing team. Originally from Southern Hawkes Bay, Jo attended Massey University where she completed a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in management.

After travelling overseas including a teaching stint in Japan, Jo and husband, Leith returned home and initially settled in Blenheim. In June 2008 they decided to relocate to Nelson and Jo joined the Knapps team. While living in Blenheim, Jo completed her papers to qualify as a Legal Executive.

Jo enjoys the outdoors including walking, swimming and boating in the Sounds. She also enjoys cooking, the odd glass of wine and raising her first baby - although not in that order!!!

Jo_Karen@knapps.co.nz

Sara is the other half of our residential conveyancing team but unlike Jo, started young and worked her way up the ranks of law firm positions to ultimately achieve her career goal of being a qualified legal executive. Sara joined Knapps in May 2008 securing her dream job of being jointly in charge of our large residential conveyancing department.

Sara lives in Motueka with her partner Leigh and border collie, Kyzer. Her spare time is spend exercising her border collie and renovating her house plus looking after an investment property.

sara@knapps.co.nz