23 January 2007 - Commercial law firm Simpson Grierson is proud to announce the appointment of six new Senior Associates. The appointments recognise each person's expertise, proven performance and dedication in his or her specialist field.

Michael Gold, Construction, Auckland
Michael is a specialist construction lawyer in our Resource and Infrastructure department. He provides advice in relation to both the contentious and non-contentious aspects of construction and infrastructure projects, including advising on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Michael is also an experienced commercial litigator and has a successful track record in resolving property and construction disputes. He has particular expertise in assisting clients with adjudication proceedings and payment disputes under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.

Richard Holden, Commercial Litigation, Wellington
Richard is based in the Commercial Litigation team in Wellington. Richard has wide experience of commercial litigation and appears in the High Court and Court of Appeal. He has particular experience in the energy sector, especially upstream oil and gas exploration, frequently advising in respect of joint venture disputes and the permitting regime. Richard also has expertise in property litigation, especially commercial landlord and tenant disputes.

Before his admission in New Zealand, Richard read law at the University of Oxford and practised as a commercial-chancery barrister appearing in the County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal in London.

Khim Nah, Commercial Property, Auckland
Khim works with the Commercial Property Group advising on all aspects of commercial property transactions. She has been involved in the acquisition and sale of several significant commercial properties for the likes of Bunnings and Abacus Funds Management Limited.

She has expertise in applications for Overseas Investment Commission consent to land acquisitions, and has been involved with several large projects, undertaking the due diligence for the acquisition and leasing of commercial property.

Khim also has a particular interest and speciality in commercial leases and is involved in the preparation of specialty shop leases for Westfield (New Zealand) as well as leases for other commercial property landlords and tenants.

Rochelle Price, Employment, Auckland
Rochelle has specialised in employment law since 2001, prior to this she practiced general commercial law. Rochelle advises on all aspects of employment law including disciplinary proceedings, dismissals, personal grievances, redundancies, corporate restructuring and restraints of trade. Rochelle also has considerable experience in drafting, and advising clients on, employment agreements, policies and procedures.

Hugh Thompson, Commercial Property, Auckland
Hugh has extensive experience in all aspects of asset protection planning, estate and trust administration, will drafting and succession planning and agency work under enduring powers of attorney.

Hugh's work includes advice on trust establishment and all asset protection planning issues, will drafting incorporating advice on succession planning and issues relating to the Family Protection Act 1955, Property (Relationships) Act 1976, Matrimonial Property Act 1963 and the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949. Hugh advises trustees on trust and estate administration on all issues arising from trustees' duties and advice to attorneys acting under enduring powers of attorney and issues relating to Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.

Michelle van Kampen, Local Government and Environment, Auckland
Michelle is in our Resources & Environment Department, based in Auckland. Michelle specialises in Resource Management, Crown Minerals and Environmental Law and often appears before Council hearings and the Environment Court on a range of issues for both local authority and corporate clients.

Michelle has worked on a number of large mining, quarrying and other resource management projects including the North Shore Busway, Favona underground mine in Waihi, and applications for sand extraction in the Kaipara Harbour. Michelle also assists local authorities in the resolution of local authority resource management appeals and ongoing support and assistance for her mining and quarrying clients.

About Simpson Grierson
Simpson Grierson is one of New Zealand's top four commercial law firms, delivering comprehensive advice in every commercial practice area.  A national practice with more than 400 staff, including more than 220 lawyers and partners, Simpson Grierson combines leadership, innovation, technical expertise and good business sense to ensure our clients receive the best legal service available.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Tom Clancy, Communications Manager, Simpson Grierson
ph (09) 977 5282 or email tom.clancy@simpsongrierson.com