We’re pleased to announce a stellar lineup of promotions across our firm, effective 1 January 2026, building on the recent appointment of Catherine Shipton to Corporate Partner.

The promotions see six talented lawyers elevated to Senior Associate and nine to Senior Solicitor, strengthening our firm’s expertise across key practice areas including Corporate & Commercial, Banking & Finance, Litigation, Construction, Real Estate, Employment, and Planning & Environment.

In addition to the promotions, alumna Sarah Mathieson returns to Simpson Grierson as a Senior Associate in the Corporate team, adding further depth to our national practice.

Simpson Grierson Board Chair, Pip Muir says: "We're building capacity where client demand is strongest, ensuring we have the depth and expertise to support our clients as they grow."

“We’re particularly pleased to see such strong representation across our Corporate & Commercial team, which reflects our ongoing commitment to building depth and expertise in this key area.

“These promotions demonstrate our focus on developing exceptional lawyers and building a strong pipeline of future talent.

“Each of these lawyers brings dedication, expertise and a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for our clients, and I’m excited to see their continued growth and contribution as we strengthen our position as one of Aotearoa’s leading commercial law firms,” says Pip.

In addition to promoting our lawyers, we’re pleased to announce the promotion of Mel Harvey to Senior Legal Executive, and Louise Flores the role of Legal Executive - Associate.

The following lawyers have been promoted to Senior Associate:

Brooke Clifford: Litigation, Wellington

Caleb Smith: Construction, Auckland

Dania Alsagoff: Corporate & Commercial, Auckland

Nova Huang: Real Estate, Auckland

Sarah Gwynn: Litigation, Wellington

Sarah Mathieson: Corporate & Commercial, Auckland

Tom Rowland: Corporate & Commercial, Auckland.

The following lawyers have been promoted to Senior Solicitor:

Achi Simhony: Litigation, Auckland

Caleb Antonio-Rooney: Corporate & Commercial, Auckland

Claudia Gray: Corporate & Commercial, Christchurch

Ella Rainthorpe: Employment, Auckland

Greer Collinson: Litigation, Christchurch

Isabel Van Tuinen: Corporate & Commercial, Auckland

Sam McLean: Banking & Finance, Auckland

Sarah Heslin: Real Estate, Auckland

Shanae Richardson: Planning & Environment, Christchurch.