Russell McVeagh has appointed three new Senior Associates, strengthening our Environment and Planning, and Litigation teams in our Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland office.
Litigators Michelle Bowie and Yaren Fu, along with Environment and Planning specialist Louise Espin, have joined Russell McVeagh in recent months. Michelle returns to the firm where she began her career, following stints in London and at another New Zealand practice, while Yaren and Louise join following experience at other New Zealand law firms.
Environment and Planning
Louise Espin specialises in environment and planning law, advising government agencies, local bodies, and major infrastructure clients. She has deep experience in large-scale consenting, plan changes, and stakeholder negotiations, and has appeared in council and Court hearings and Environment Court mediations.
Dispute Resolution/Litigation
Michelle Bowie is an expert in complex commercial disputes, including high-value contract claims, and litigation arising out of corporate failures. She has represented clients across multiple jurisdictions, including New Zealand, England and Wales, and the Cayman Islands, and returns to Russell McVeagh, where she started her career.
Yaren Fu joins our Litigation team with extensive experience in commercial disputes and investigations. She has advised major corporates and infrastructure investors on regulatory enforcement, consumer protection litigation, and corporate transactions disputes.
We’re thrilled to welcome Michelle, Yaren, and Louise to the firm. Their expertise in litigation, dispute resolution, and environment and planning law further strengthens our ability to support clients on complex legal matters. Each of them brings a depth of experience that enhances our offering, and we're excited to see them help drive success for our clients.
Russell McVeagh CEO Jo Avenell
In December, we announced the promotion of five senior associates and two partners across a number of key practice areas.