OUR PEOPLE

JENNIFER RALEIGH

Principal Barrister and Solicitor

After originally completing my Commerce degree at Victoria University, while raising my three children I decided to follow my dream of becoming a lawyer.

I completed my Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland, and now nearly 20 years later I have a busy practice based in Morrinsville, doing what I love as a litigator - practicing criminal & family law.

The ethos of my practice is to see the humanness of my clients. We do not arrive at the door of a lawyer with a single piece of paper defining us. We are complex and intricate human beings, with a past that does not define us and a future that is ours to create.

My aim is to represent your case with dignity and respect. I look forward to working with you.

ANDREW PENN

Barrister and Solicitor

I am a criminal defence lawyer and family law litigator. I am passionate about assisting people to navigate their way through the criminal justice system.

My academic qualifications are from Victoria University. I have bachelor's degrees in law and arts (majoring in theology) and a master's degree in law awarded with distinction. I was admitted to the Bar as a barrister and solicitor in 2002. I am currently undertaking doctoral research regarding the intersection of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act with certain Family Court orders and practices.

I also have deep experience and expertise in complex commercial disputes and have acted in some of New Zealand's largest civil litigation proceedings. My expertise covers a broad range of commercial matters including capital markets, insider trading, mergers and acquisitions, Takeovers Code matters, business structuring, directors' duties, insolvencies, derivatives and large commercial property transactions.

I offer a bespoke mediation service to achieve in principle resolutions to a wide range of commercial, rural, family, trust, company and other disputes. I understand the immense value that can be achieved by resolving disputes before the fog of litigation takes hold.

I have a passion for sport and physical activity having been a representative cricket and rugby player and keen amateur boxer. I played 10 seasons of first-class cricket for Central Districts and Wellington and was a Black Cap between 1996 and 2001. I actively seek opportunities to voluntarily assist with technical coaching for promising young cricketers and to hold governance roles in sports administration.

I also have a deep interest in the areas of mental health and addiction. I do volunteer work in prisons and with recently released prisoners to promote recovery programs for a life free of drugs and alcohol. I strongly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the profound serenity and meaning that comes with living a sober life, no matter how dire their circumstances have become.

In my spare time, I am passionate about the outdoors, in particular snow-skiing, and spending time with my three beautiful children.

SHAUNI BLAKE

Legal Secretary