My areas of Expertise

Specialist Practice Areas

What I do

Trust & Estate Administration

I work in the personal client team, where I am responsible for ensuring that administration and gifting for family trusts is carried out. I manage the firm's family trust database and also look after trusts, wills, enduring power of attorney and manage clients' affairs.

What I like about my work

I get a lot of satisfaction when I help a client to organise their affairs. For example, if someone is going into a rest-home and I can help them to get a rest-home subsidy or, if the person is on their own, merely do the things a family member would ordinarily do. I enjoy dealing with the combination of people and the law.

What I've done in the past

I began working life with an office job at State Insurance before becoming a research assistant for an agricultural research association. In 1979, I joined a law firm as an office junior, did my legal executive exams and later started working in the estates and trusts area. I joined Anderson Lloyd in 2002.

My approach to working with my clients

I'm a good listener. I deal with a lot of elderly people and so I have to build an affinity with them and be sympathetic to their situation. I try to help my clients deal with their problems. I treat them as individuals.

What I enjoy at work

There's a great team environment. I came from a small firm so I enjoy having the large firm resources and benefits.

What I enjoy outside of work

I have two cats, a dog and a husband, and enjoy spending time with them. I also like reading, gardening and walking. My husband is into hot rods and American classic cars so I've been roped into these too!

What I enjoy about living in the South Island

There's a multitude of picturesque landscapes. I can go to the beach one day and then be in native forest the next. Being three hours away from Queenstown, one of world's best tourist destinations, and Central Otago in general has its advantages.

Memberships and Directorships

  • Fellow of the Legal Executives Institute, which means I am able to take statutory declarations.
  • Past member Legal Executives Institute, Otago Branch
  • Past Volunteer for Citizens Advice
  • I am training as a volunteer for Age Concern.