“A Lifetime of Support”
Linwood Law began life as the branch of a large Christchurch firm more than 20 years ago. It then evolved to become its own separate firm. Now owned by Linwood Law Limited, the company is continuing the Linwood Law tradition of providing quality service in a friendly and professional manner with a commitment to the community.
Katie is an experienced family law practitioner and who regularly appears in parenting, family violence, paternity, and Oranga Tamariki matters before the Family Court. Katie studied at the University of Canterbury, obtaining a Bachelor of Laws in 2015 and a Bachelor of Arts in 2021 and was admitted to the bar in 2017. In 2021, Katie was appointed as a Panel Lawyer for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and Faith-Based Institutions. In this role, Katie assisted survivors of abuse to submit evidence to the Royal Commission about their experiences in care. Katie found this work incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys Surf Casting and following several sports, including V8 Supercars and Rugby. Katie is part of the family law team at Linwood Law and is a Legal Aid provider.
Kate graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the Bar in December 2022. In 2023, Kate joined the Linwood team, assisting with conveyancing and commercial matters, and is fluent in Korean and English.
In her spare time, she loves reading books and walking her little dog, Ace, at Sumner Beach.
Krissy is the Receptionist at Linwood Law.
She joined the team in August 2020 and has a background in Customer Service and Reception for over 6 years.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family and going on walks with her partner and dog.
Rebecca works with the conveyancing team at Linwood Law. She joined Linwood Law in June 2019 and is currently studying towards her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends, music and singing and enjoys reading a good book.
Jill Forde (Associate) is our senior legal executive, and has been with us since 2006 and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Jill previously worked in the banking industry, focusing on the lending area, for 16 years.
Jill works mainly in residential conveyancing and has extensive experience working with first home buyers and heads up our Conveyancing Team. Having worked in this area for a number of years Jill enjoys building a long-term relationship with her clients.
Jill is an independent councillor for the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives and is the Treasurer for the Institute. Jill assists in an advisory role on the local Canterbury Southern Districts Branch committee of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Jill has an interest in presenting at local schools promoting legal executives as a career choice.
Outside work Jill likes gardening, dining out, travelling with her partner and spending time with her two wonderful grandchildren.
Letitia leads our Legal Aid team and works in Family Law, which includes parenting, family violence, and Oranga Tamariki matters. Letitia is passionate about family law and strives to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. Letitia’s experience has been recognised by her inclusion on the court-appointed Lawyer for Child list.
She joined Linwood Law in 2017 after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Te Reo Maori. Letitia was admitted to the Bar in March 2016 and was appointed as an Associate on 1 April 2022.
Danielle is the Office Manager and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer here at Linwood Law and joined the team in March 2016 after completing her Certificate 5 in Business Management.
Danielle handles the general operations here at Linwood Law working alongside the Directors she coordinates our events, advertising and marketing, health and safety and also organises our charitable contributions to the local schools and community.
In her spare time Danielle enjoys cooking for her family, baking with her children and lots of camping holidays.
Aaron joined the Linwood Law team in February 2018 after completing a Bachelor of Law at the University of Canterbury in 2016. Aaron completed his professional studies in early 2017. He was admitted to the Bar in October 2017 and was appointed as an associate on 1 April 2023.
Aaron is part of the Legal Aid team and specialises in Family Law.
Gemma first completed a Bachelor of Commerce, and then worked in the adventure tourism sector in New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. Upon returning to New Zealand, Gemma spent over 10 years working for the Department of Conservation in a variety of roles, including a secondment as Private Secretary for the Minister of Conservation.
Inspired to study law, Gemma returned to university in 2020 and completed her Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2022 while also working part-time for Linwood Law.
Gemma took the summer off to walk Te Araroa – New Zealand’s Trail, from Cape Reinga to Bluff. She re-joined the Linwood Law team in April 2023 and is looking forward to being admitted to the Bar later this year.
Harris joined the Linwood Law team in 2017 as a Legal Assistant and Deeds Clerk.
He assists Jerome with all aspects of his immigration and commercial law practice. His work includes drafting documents, submitting online applications, and liaising with clients.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, and playing chess. He is also a keen follower of sports, particularly football and rugby league.
Barbara has over 35 years of experience working in a legal and administrative environment. Barbara assists with court documentation, telephone assistance, and administration throughout the office.
In her spare time, Barbara likes spending time with her family and knits for family and friends. A keen follower of the All Blacks Barbara also enjoys time-out in the garden, cooking, and baking.
Ginny joined Linwood Law in 2021 as our Trust Account Manager and also assists with Estate administration and distributions. Ginny’s previous Trust Account administration experience was with a firm in Dunedin and has over 10 Years’ experience in trust account administration and management.
Outside of work Ginny loves spending time with her kids and getting out on her horses.
Sarah joined the team in 2014 and has over 6 years’ experience in the property and conveyancing field.
Sarah is a part of our conveyancing team and is able to assist clients with property matters.
Out of the office Sarah is kept busy with her 2 young daughters.
Paulette Cavanagh (Director) graduated from Canterbury University before moving to Hawera, South Taranaki where she practised law for a number of years before returning to the South, to practice law in Ashburton. Having joined Linwood Law in 2016 as an Associate Paulette became a partner on 1 October 2017, her main area of practice is now commercial and property law however she is also able to assist in the field of trust and estate law.
Jerome Williamson (Director) has been in practice as a lawyer in Christchurch since February 1987. He has had a broad range of experience in property and commercial law as well as civil litigation, employment and education law. From 2000 to 2006, Jerome was a partner in a specialist immigration law firm.
In late 2006, he left to return to more general practice. Jerome maintains his interest in immigration law. He is a member of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment and was for three years a director of that organisation.
Alison King (Associate) graduated from Otago University in 1980 having been born and educated in Dunedin. Before joining Linwood Law in 2015 Alison had her own practice focusing on a wide variety Family Court work.
Alison’s main area of practice remains Family Law and acting in a wide variety of Family Court proceedings. Alison is also a Court appointed lawyer for child.
Vanessa is the Administration Assistant here at Linwood Law. She joined the team in November 2017 as our receptionist. Outside of work Vanessa loves spending time with her children and is kept busy with all of their afterschool activities.