Martelli McKegg

Board members: Mike Worsnop, Steven Lee, Vina Singh and Franchelle Taylor

Number of partners: 14

Number of other fee-earners: 39

Member of Meritas - a global alliance of over 170 independent, full-service business law firms with more than 8,500 experienced lawyers

Office: Located in Auckland, New Zealand

Martelli McKegg is a long-established Auckland-based law firm with over a century of commercial experience, known for delivering practical, personalised legal support to individuals, SMEs, and major corporates across New Zealand and Australia. With a diverse team of 50 lawyers and legal executives, every client benefits from accessible, expert advice tailored to their unique needs and goals - always with partner oversight. The firm’s industry knowledge, flexible approach, and strong client relationships are underpinned by a genuine commitment to people, both in their legal work and broader community involvement. As a Meritas member, they also offer global reach through a network of trusted firms worldwide.

Commercial

The firm represents businesses of all sizes – from multinationals to sole traders which benefit from a balanced mix of expert partner oversight and efficient support from a skilled commercial team. With a deep knowledge of New Zealand law, they provide comprehensive, cost-effective legal services to help clients navigate change and achieve their business goals. The partners in this area are Melissa Higham, Steven Lee, Andrew Nicoll and Mike Worsnop. Four additional fee earners make up the team. First point of contact: Melissa Higham: +64 9 300 7605 or [email protected]

Dispute Resolution

The specialist litigation team handles a broad spectrum of disputes, from straightforward debt recovery to complex, multi-jurisdictional cases, offering strong advocacy and strategic guidance at every stage. With extensive trial experience and appearances at all levels of the New Zealand courts, including the Supreme Court, they advocate strongly and effectively on behalf of their clients, whether through litigation or alternative dispute resolution. The team combines extensive legal expertise with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, working closely with clients to navigate stress and complexity while pursuing the best possible outcome. The partners in this practice area are Tony Johnson and Jacque Lethbridge. Twelve other fee earners, including consultants Bill Gambrill and Michael Mabbett, complete this team. First point of contact: Jacque Lethbridge +64 9 300 7628 or [email protected]

Property

Our experienced property team provides a comprehensive range of services, supported by thorough industry knowledge and a strong reputation. They serve clients on both sides of the Tasman, including institutional investors, developers, lenders, commercial property owners, high-net-worth individuals, and home buyers. They have specialist experience in retail leasing and advise tenants and landlords, shopping centres including Australasian chain retailers. Vanessa Dew, Steven Lee and Vina Singh are partners in the team complemented by 12 fee earners. First point of contact: Vanessa Dew: +64 9 909 4443 or [email protected]

Trust and Asset Planning

As families and businesses evolve, Martelli McKegg's team offers expert, tailored solutions in trusts, wills, and estate planning to help protect assets and prevent conflicts after death. Their comprehensive approach ensures clients' wishes are honoured smoothly, working closely with them and their advisers to create personalised plans that fit each unique situation. The partners in this practice area are Melissa Clark, Emma Foster, Tara Grant and Tim Orr. Catherine Atchison is a consultant and also a Chambers ranked senior statesperson. The team also includes nine other fee earners. First point of contact: Melissa Clark +64 9 300 7637 or [email protected]

Foreign Investment

Navigating property investment, legal matters, or business in New Zealand can be complex, especially for offshore clients or non-native English speakers. The firm's dedicated Mandarin, Cantonese, and French-speaking legal teams offer expert, tailored advice across all major practice areas, backed by global reach and decades of experience. Melissa Clark and Steven Lee are partners in this team, supported by five other fee earners. First point of contact: Steven Lee +64 9 300 7608 or [email protected]