Our People

Christine was born and raised on a farm in Southland before attending boarding school in Dunedin. She obtained her double degree in Law and Commerce from the University of Otago and, after a period of travel, moved to Hawke’s Bay with her husband, a Bay local. With over two decades of legal experience, Christine was appointed Managing Director in 2021 and has ably guided the firm through a series of improvements, setting it up for stability and growth. Outside work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family embracing the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle.

Christine works in the following areas:

• Property Law
• Rural
• Company and Commercial
• Trusts, Estates and Succession Planning
• Wills & Power of Attorneys

Christine Symes works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Employment Law | Estates

Originally from the United Kingdom, Edward obtained a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sheffield and, before moving to New Zealand with his Hawke’s Bay wife, worked in London courts, notably the Old Bailey.

Outside work Edward is kept busy by the family business, KS Show Horses, a stud farm breeding show ponies, and by his young (and growing) family. He is a keen sportsman, watching, playing and coaching a variety of sports, especially hockey.

Edward works in the following areas:

• Property
• Rural
• Company and commercial
• Immigration
• Trusts, estate and succession planning
• Wills & power of attorneys
• Estates

Edward has a particular interest in:

• Company and commercial
• Property
• Equine law – breeding contracts, sale and purchase agreements
• Elder law – residential care subsidy – planning for it and preparing applications

Edward Bostock works in the following areas: Corporate & Commercial Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates

Leah was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay. She graduated from the University of Otago in 1999 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Diploma in Regional and Resource Planning. Following overseas travel in 2002, she began her legal career in Gisborne before practising in Darwin, Australia. She returned to Hawke’s Bay in 2013 and joined Bramwell Bate in August 2017.

Outside work, Leah is kept busy with her family and is also a Board member of the Hastings City Business Association.

Leah works in the following areas:

• Property
• Rural
• Company and Commercial
• Trusts, estates and succession planning
• Will & power of attorneys

Leah Bernie works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates

Roger has been practising law in Hawke’s Bay since 1996. Roger provides services in corporate and commercial, property, civil litigation, criminal litigation, traffic, estates, family, wills, trusts and powers of attorney. He brings clarity to complex legal processes and is focused on achieving the right outcome for his clients.

Roger Philip works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Corporate & Commercial Law | Criminal Law & Traffic Offences | Employment Law

Damandeep is a Senior Associate in our family law and relationship property team, bringing nearly 15 years’ experience to the firm. She has practised extensively in family law in both national and regional settings, including a number of years in South Auckland, and plays a key role in mentoring our family law team and developing the firm’s expertise in this area.

Damandeep holds an LLB from the University of Waikato and completed her Master of Laws with First Class Honours in 2011. She is fluent in English and Punjabi.

Damandeep Sadhra works in the following areas: Family Law | Relationship Property | Estate Claims | Alternative Dispute Resolution

Originally from Gisborne, Anna pursued her education at Victoria University, studying law alongside Japanese. After five years practising family law in Gisborne, Anna relocated to Wellington to continue her career. However, the draw of regional NZ proved strong, leading her to settle in Hastings in 2015, her husband’s hometown, where they now live with their two children. Anna joined Bramwell Grossman in 2015 and has been with the firm since. She was promoted to a Director of Bramwell Bate in 2024. Outside of work, Anna enjoys the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle with her family and friends.

Anna Bernie works in the following areas: Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Estate Administration

Kevin is an active sportsman and an Honorary Solicitor for numerous sports clubs and organisations.

Kevin provides legal expertise in general conveyancing, corporate and commercial matters, family trusts, estates, asset management and protection, subdivisions and property development, charitable trusts and sports law.

Kevin Osborne works in the following areas: Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Estates

Jane has been practising for a number of years and has a considerable experience in a wide variety of legal matters. Hailing from Taranaki she completed her legal studies at Victoria University before moving to Napier and eventually joining Bramwell Bate as a Senior Associate. When not at work Jane enjoys tramping, cycling, and time with friends and family.

Jane specialises in the following areas of practice:

• Property including subdivisions
• Trusts
• Estates and succession planning
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Elder Law and Residential Care

Jane has a particular interest in:

• Assisting first home buyers
• Residential Conveyancing
• Assisting older clients

Jane Howden works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates

After more than 20 years in the UK, Nick has returned to Hawke’s Bay, bringing extensive experience in residential and commercial property, asset planning, estates, and trusts. His London career saw him act for a broad range of clients, from first-home buyers to high-net-worth individuals, investors, and public entities, and included managing a team of solicitors and paralegals at Amphlett Lissimore Bagshaws LLP.

A University of Canterbury graduate with degrees in Law and Arts, Nick began his career in the Manawatu before heading overseas. Now back in Hawke’s Bay, he values the region’s relaxed lifestyle, time with family and friends, and its world-class vineyards.

Nick Aveling works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates

Charlie has practised relationship property and family law since 2018, after completing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canterbury. He joined Bramwell Bate as an Associate in March 2024 on returning home to Hawke’s Bay.

Charlie is passionate about improving access to justice for Māori and is a member of the Māori Family Law Committee (Te kōmiti ture-ā-whānau o te hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa). He is also a Lead Legal Aid Provider (Family Law).

Outside work, Charlie is an avid cricketer, having represented Hawke’s Bay and played club cricket in Christchurch, and is involved in community initiatives including Ronald McDonald House and It Takes A Village.

Charlie specialises in:

• Relationship property and spousal maintenance disputes.
• Protection of assets prior to a relationship.
• Division of assets upon separation, including personally owned assets, companies and trusts.
• Care of children, guardianship and family violence disputes.

Charlie Robson works in the following areas: Family Law | Relationship Property | Alternative Dispute Resolution

Lois was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, attending Hastings Girls’ High School before leaving for university. She graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws and then from The University of Auckland in 2021 with a Master of Laws. Lois returned to the Bay in mid-2021 and joined the team at Bramwell Bate in October 2021. Outside of work, Lois enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family, playing classical piano, watching the NBA, and soaking up the Hawke’s Bay sun with her dog Winnie in tow.

Lois McLintock works in the following areas: Employment Law | Property Law & Conveyancing | Relationship Property | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs

Born in Waipawa, and raised in Napier, Bri returned to Hawke’s Bay at the end of 2023 after graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws. Prior to Auckland, Bri spent four years in New York at St. Thomas Aquinas College completing a Bachelor of Science with a Double Major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Outside of work, she is a qualified personal trainer who also enjoys playing hockey and keeping active. Bri is happy to be back in Hawke’s Bay closer to friends and family, the fabulous world-renowned wineries, and our famous Hawke’s Bay summers

Bri Thorne works in the following areas: Family Law | Relationship Property

Hailing from Northland, Victoria studied at the University of Auckland, graduating in 2025 with a Bachelor of Laws. After a period of travel she joined Bramwell Bate in January 2026 as a Law Clerk, working in family law, and plans to be admitted to the Bar in September 2025.

Victoria is excited to relocate to Hawke’s Bay and when she is not studying for professional exams is looking forward to explore its beautiful beaches, walks, art deco architecture and farmers markets.

Victoria Cole works in the following areas: Family Law

Kelly was born and raised in Hastings before spending time in Wellington and London. After returning from her OE, Kelly completed her Legal Executive Diploma in 2019. Outside of the office, Kelly is a bit of a social butterfly who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, the odd quiz night, a glass of wine and sampling what the local restaurants have to offer.

Kelly Henderson works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing

Michelle is our estates specialist, bringing a strong passion for law and extensive experience from the health sector. Her background in case management and clinical coding provides valuable insight that enhances the service she delivers to clients. Having completed her Legal Executive Diploma, Michelle remains focused on continuing to grow her expertise and providing practical, client-focused advice.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Hawke’s Bay’s walking trails, and has a genuine love for animals of all kinds.

Michelle Hoy works in the following areas: Estates

Cathi joined Bramwell Bate in 2017 after relocating from Queenstown. Her interest in law grew, leading her to complete her Legal Executive Diploma at the end of 2023. Cathi is excited to progress her career and assist a wide range of clients with conveyancing, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Trusts. Beyond work, Cathi enjoys walking her dog, biking, dancing, and sampling the region’s excellent restaurants and vineyards.

Born and raised in Dannevirke, Lara spent 13 years in Wellington before returning to Hawke’s Bay in 2017 to be closer to family and enjoy a better work–life balance with her husband and son. She initially completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, before moving into the banking sector, where she worked with BNZ for nine years. Lara joined our team as a Trust Accountant in 2017. Outside work, she enjoys walking her dog, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah is responsible for collecting client due diligence information and maintaining records necessary for AML compliance. She also looks after deeds and provides backup for reception.

Wendy joined the firm in January 2021 following her return to Hawke’s Bay from Wellington, where she was the Sports Coordinator at Wellington High School. Wendy is a keen sportsperson and is enjoying being back in the Bay which allows her to spend time with family and friends.

Jude brings to the firm more than twenty years’ experience in conveyancing and family law. When not busy organising the office lotto or our Friday drinks, Jude enjoys spending time with friends, tramping in the hills, walking her Labradoodle Harry and relaxing with a fine wine.

Clarissa moved to the beautiful Hawke’s Bay early in 2021, following five years in Auckland after immigrating from South Africa in 2016. Clarissa loves cooking and baking, enjoys entertaining with family and friends, and of course spending time with her hubby and two kids.

Chloé was born and raised in the Northeast of England and emigrated to New Zealand in 2007. She spent 12 years in Auckland before relocating to Hawke’s Bay with her husband. Prior to joining Bramwell Bate, Chloé was a receptionist at a local Hastings law firm for a couple of years following ten years in the insurance industry. Chloé supports clients across a range of legal areas, notably Family and Property. In her spare time, Chloé enjoys renovating her 1920’s villa, collecting pets and plants, and sampling local Hawke’s Bay wines.

Chelsea was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, growing up in Hastings and spending summers at her family bach in Waimarama. Chelsea brings to Bramwell Bate years of administration experience and decided to make the move from the real estate sector to law, and joined our firm in early 2024. Outside the office, Chelsea is a proud mum of two gorgeous girls and likes to spend her time at the beach, travelling or checking out local wineries and music events with friends.

Ashleigh was born in Palmerston North and grew up in Feilding before making Hawke’s Bay her home in early 2026. She brings extensive administrative experience to her role as a Legal Assistant and joined the legal profession with a passion for helping people through important life events. When she’s not at work, Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending community events, and enjoying the great weather Hawke’s Bay has to offer.

Bill Roberts is the Business Projects Manager at Bramwell Bate, where he helps drive the firm’s strategic initiatives and operational excellence. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and client experience, Bill works across teams to ensure projects deliver real value – for both the firm and its clients.

Drawing on a background in business management and process improvement, both in the UK and NZ, Bill combines practical insight with a people-first approach. He’s passionate about creating efficient systems that make work easier and outcomes better. Whether it’s leading technology upgrades, streamlining workflows, or supporting growth initiatives, Bill brings a calm, solutions-focused energy to every project.

Outside work, Bill enjoys connecting with the local community, exploring the Hawke’s Bay outdoors with his labrador Rosie, and spending time with family and friends.