Expertise
If you’re facing a dispute, we’ll help you explore practical, respectful ways to resolve it without unnecessary time, cost, or stress.
Facilitated Resolution
A neutral mediator helps parties reach a practical, mutually acceptable outcome without going to court.
Confidential and Cost-Effective
Mediation is private, generally faster, and less expensive than formal litigation.
Binding Determination
An independent arbitrator hears the dispute and makes a binding decision, similar to a private court process.
Flexible and Specialist Process
Arbitration allows parties to choose the decision-maker and tailor procedures to the dispute.
Direct Resolution Between Parties
Issues are resolved through discussion and bargaining, either directly or through legal representatives.
Control and Commercial Outcomes
Negotiation allows parties to retain control and reach solutions that may not be available through formal processes.
Clear Agreements and Processes
Well-drafted contracts and governance frameworks reduce ambiguity and future disputes.
Early Advice and Risk Management
Proactive legal advice helps identify and manage potential conflict before it escalates.
If an agreement is reached, it’s recorded in writing and can be made legally enforceable. We help make sure everything is clear and durable.
Not always, but having legal advice before or during mediation helps you understand your rights and make informed decisions.
Mediation is private, faster, and more flexible. Court is formal, public, and often more costly — but necessary in some cases.
Absolutely. It’s often the best way to preserve relationships and reduce stress — especially when children or long-term ties are involved.
Director
Roger Philip
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Corporate & Commercial Law | Criminal Law & Traffic Offences | Employment Law
About Roger Philip
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
Director
Damandeep Sadhra
Family Law | Relationship Property | Estate Claims | Alternative Dispute Resolution
About Damandeep Sadhra
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
Senior Associate
Charlie Robson
Family Law | Relationship Property | Alternative Dispute Resolution
About Charlie Robson
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:
Charlie Robson works in the following areas: Family Law | Relationship Property | Alternative Dispute Resolution
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