Services

Business Law

In these days of a rapidly changing environment, it is vital that commercial enterprises are offered up-to-date, accurate and useful legal advice.

RSM Law offers a full business law service to clients. This ranges from giving advice on all aspects of setting up a small business; advising on day-to-day business challenges; and advising on Company takeovers and Company restructuring. We can assist with leases, financing structures, employment issues, statutory requirements and obligations.

The firm is particularly experienced in advising farming clients. It helps to set up farm Companies (big or small), negotiate share-milking agreements and advises on horticulture, forestry and fishing ventures. RSM Law provides advice on and establishes Joint Venture and Equity Partnership syndicates.

RSM Law is well known for the quality of its tax advice to clients. It advises clients on all aspects of taxation, whether it be Company or personal obligations. We work with the Inland Revenue Department and other agencies to develop tax-planning strategies on behalf of our clients.

Our Business Lawyers: Julia Traylor, Robert Vincent, Ken McKenzie, Liam Goodman, David Forman

Family Law

RSM Law has an experienced family law team. While specialising in all aspects of family law, they have particular experience in relationship property, de facto property, custody and access issues.

We can assist to smooth the way in the sometimes fractious area of establishing or terminating a long-term relationship and ensure that your assets and best interests are protected.

Our team also deals with family protection and testamentary promises claims, adoptions, domestic violence, harassment, care and protection proceedings and applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act.

We are able to advise you on the best way to structure your personal and family affairs with Wills, and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Our Family Lawyers: Rachel Napier, Laura Snoxell

Property Law

RSM Law has a large property law practice incorporating rural, commercial and residential property buying and selling.

For clients buying, selling or leasing rural property we can advise on all aspects of these transactions. We are highly experienced in dealing with rural subdivisions; leasing of farm properties; and advising on the associated tax issues.

The firm's commercial property expertise is well known. It acts for clients leasing and buying and selling property and it is also experienced in commercial property management. RSM Law is involved with and provides advice on many commercial property syndicates and property leases.

RSM Law has a busy residential property conveyancing practice. We can help arrange mortgage finance, organise LIM reports and advise on all aspects of residential property buying and selling, and home ownership.

Our Property Lawyers: Barrie Suter, Ken McKenzie, Robert Vincent, Julia Traylor, Liam Goodman, David Forman

Litigation

Litigation covers a wide range of Court related legal services. RSM Law has an experienced litigation team that is focused on achieving the best result for you. That may involve taking your dispute to Court or pursuing alternative dispute resolution methods (such as mediation). We have wide-ranging experience and can provide assistance in all areas including:

• Accident Compensation
• Admiralty Claims
• Banking and Finance Disputes
• Contract/Commercial/Civil Disputes
• Debt Recovery & Enforcement
• Fair Trading Act/Product Liability Claims
• Litigation Concerning Estates
• Receivership, Bankruptcy & Liquidation
• Resource Management Law

Our Litigation Lawyers: David Forman, Rachel Napier, Laura Snoxell

Estate Planning

If you are concerned about protecting your assets, or simply wish to have a will made or updated, RSM Law can work with you to achieve a result that best suits your needs. We have an expert team with experience in all estate planning and asset protection matters including:

• Trusts
• Wills
• Powers of attorney
• Testamentary capacity
• Residential care subsidies
• Estate administration

Our Estate Planning Lawyers: Jan Williams, Julia Traylor, Robert Vincent, Ken McKenzie, Trudy Brownie, David Forman

Tourism Law

At RSM Law we recognise the significance of the contribution that all who work in the tourism sector, contribute to the local economy. We wish to raise awareness of these issues for, and provide assistance to tourism operators on such legal issues, relating to tourism and marketing.

Legal Issues to Consider:
They include, but are not limited to:

• Employment: employment contracts, trading day laws, dispute resolution, PAYE, holidays, ACC levies, OSH compliance, work visas, unions
• Property: sale and purchase of property, leases, compliance with District Plan, RMA consents, DOC concessions, building consents
• Activities: Instructor licensing, DOC concessions, safety plans, hunting and fishing permits/licences, passenger transport licensing
• Hospitality: liquor licensing, food hygiene standards, fire safety
• Promotion/Marketing: Fair Trading Act (deceptive/misleading advertising); Consumer Guarantees Act (goods and services to be of acceptable quality and fair price/value); Terms of Trade to be clear and not misleading, and available on request; offers, promotions, and competitions - what are the guidelines and restrictions?
• Privacy Act Issues: collection, use, storage - of personal information; confidentiality; prohibition on disclosure to third parties.
• Miscellaneous: easements etc for walkway access, the National Cycleway, insurance, OSH liability, smoking laws, certification for Qualmark etc; unsolicited emails and electronic communications.
• Overseas Investment consent/requirements.

Our Tourism Lawyer: Ken McKenzie

Resource Management

RSM Law assists clients with resource management focused matters both locally and nationally. We have an experienced team to provide expert advice in areas including:

• Subdivisions
• Farm conversions
• Irrigation schemes
• Carbon and emission trading
• Forestry
• Property developments
• Historic places and heritage

If you have a project that would benefit from our team’s experience, please contact us today.

Our Resource Management Lawyers: Julia Traylor, Ken McKenzie, Barrie Suter

Criminal Law

If you have been charged with a criminal offence it is important that you obtain professional legal advice at the earliest opportunity. We have expertise in a limited range of criminal matters and can assist in referring you to expert counsel if required. Our friendly litigation team will provide professional representation and help to relieve some of the stress associated with such situations. Please call us today for representation that will make a difference.

Our Criminal Lawyers: Laura Snoxell

Employment Law

RSM Law can assist you with your employment issues, whether you are an employer or an employee. We have an expert term with experience in a wide range of employment areas including:

• Employment agreements
• Personal grievances
• Unfair dismissal
• Restructuring and redundancy
• Mediation
• Health and safety
• Parental leave
• Holiday and sick leave entitlements
• Disciplinary interviews

Our Employment Lawyers: David Forman, Laura Snoxell