New partner Andrew Petersen is a commercial property lawyer, with a focus on property and business acquisitions and divestments, and project developments. He also has broad corporate and commercial experience, and expertise on NZ’s overseas investment laws. He came to the firm four years ago after spending more than two years in London with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Also advising in commercial property, Sally Whincop has been appointed a senior associate in the firm’s Auckland office. With experience in property transaction and leasing, Whincop returns to Bell Gully after three years, including a stint in the UK.

David Blacktop has been promoted to senior associate in the firm’s Wellington office. He specialises in advising clients on competition and regulatory law, including the implications of mergers and acquisitions and restrictive trade practices, and on Commerce Commission investigations.

Kate Theilman has returned to the firm’s corporate practice as a senior associate in Auckland, focusing on capital markets and M&A transactions. She has just spent five years working in London as an acquisition finance lawyer for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and for a global investment bank in Amsterdam.