Andrew Abernethy, the firm’s latest partner, is qualified to practise in New York and will add to the firm’s corporate group, principally in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, strategic counselling/corporate governance and private equity/venture capital.

His experience includes advising on international and domestic mergers and acquisitions, particularly cross-border transactions and a range of securities offerings.

Marija Batistich is one of the seven senior associates promoted in the firm’s Auckland office. She specialises in resource management and environmental law.

Katie Carson is a banking and finance specialist and also came to the firm in 2005.

Employment lawyer Naomi Cervin is experienced in advising on all aspects of the relationship between employer and employee.

Davida Dunphy is a commercial property lawyer advising on complex property transactions and developments. She joined the firm in 2004 after working with law firm Hammonds in the UK on commercial property projects.

Commercial litigator Kevin Glover has particular expertise in intellectual property, media law and domain name disputes. He rejoined Bell Gully in 2005 after gaining a master of law at the University of Cambridge and practising at Ashurst in London.

Louise Hill specialises in mergers and acquisitions, company restructurings, electricity law, and general business law advice.

Corporate and commercial lawyerGraeme Switzer specialises in mergers and acquisitions, company restructurings, securities offerings, and general corporate and commercial law.