We’re delighted to welcome, and introduce, our new family law specialist, Gillian Stuart, who joined our team last week.
Gillian comes to Aspiring Law with 30 years’ experience in law, having represented the interests of parents, children and vulnerable adults in a wide range of family and mental-health related cases. As well as her expertise in care issues, Gillian also brings significant experience in relationship property matters, including post-separation division of property, “contracting out” (pre-nuptials) and other asset protection for families and business people.
Recently she’s been working in a Christchurch law firm, overseeing the day-to-day running of three general practice offices.
Originally from Scotland, Gillian previously worked in a number of Inverness legal firms. Her last role in the UK was as Partner at Fleetwood and Robb specialising in all aspects of court work. She was employed to head up and develop the civil court department, focusing particularly on family law.
Gillian and her family moved to New Zealand in 2008, where they took some time out before buying a struggling café bar and restaurant in the CBD. With a passion for cooking and excellent business acumen, Gillian and her husband managed to turn around the restaurant and were on the road to success until the Christchurch earthquake damaged the business beyond repair in 2011.
Returning to law meant completing her Legal Transfer exams, after which Gillian was enrolled as a New Zealand solicitor in June 2012. Keen to be part of a progressive team, and with a love of the landscape and lifestyle on offer in the Upper Clutha, Gillian jumped at the opportunity to work at Aspiring Law.
“I’m a people person through and through. As a family lawyer, my job is to make difficult times easier for all family members, especially when there are children involved,” she says.
Gillian has two grown up children and, away from the office, she’s a keen squash player and formerly represented Scotland in the over 35s team. Knees willing, she is hoping to start skiing again during the winter months.
Our new solicitor
We are also preparing to welcome Sophie Diedrichs, who’s taking on a newly-created role as a general solicitor.
Sophie is due to start with us on June 10, and comes to us from Bell Gully, in Auckland.