Christchurch Law Firm - Meet Our Lawyers

Trevor has practiced law for many years, having graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1975 with a Bachelor of Laws. Trevor joined layburn Hodgins in 1981. His smiling face and enthusiasm for the law has endeared him to clients over those years of practice.

Although Commercial Law, Conveyancing and Family Trusts are Trevor's core practice he is also well known for his Hospitality Law expertise.

A keen traveller, snowboarder and part-time stonemason, Trevor's daily habits are Tai Chi Chuan and swimming.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
Mobile:+64 27 240 3334
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Joy Woodward is Legal Secretary to Trevor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

John graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1989 with a Bachelor of Laws. He initially practised on the West Coast gaining invaluable experience in the litigation area. Moving to Christchurch in 1993 John managed a suburban law office before joining Layburn Hodgins as an Associate in 2000. He became a Partner of the firm in April 2002.

John has a keen legal focus on Commercial, Property, Family Trust and Estate matters.

Coming from a rural background John has maintained his interest in matters rural, and outside of work his wide-ranging interests include flying light aircraft, tramping, fishing and the occasional cricket match.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
Mobile:+64 27 596 3837
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Joy Woodward is Legal Secretary to John This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Duncan Macintyre has 20 years experience in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, leasing and tenancy. He is an able negotiator and provides clients with advice on business transactions including franchise agreements, licensing and financing.

Duncan is well recognised in Christchurch as an experienced immigration lawyer advising clients on all aspects of New Zealand immigration policy including student visa, work permits, business visas and residence applications. Duncan has successfully appealed to the Minister of Immigration for special directions and exceptions to policy waivers.

Duncan considers himself a master of many sports and is married with two sportmad sons.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
Mobile:+64 27 277 9946
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Joy Woodward is Legal Secretary to Duncan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Susie joined the Layburn Hodgins in 2006 and became an Associate in 2008. Susie specialises in Family Law particularly assisting clients with the difficult issues which arise when a relationship begins or ends such as 'prenuptial agreements', dividing the assets and debts of the relationship, resolving the care of the children, and dissolving the marriage. This often includes associated advice regarding trusts and property matters in general.

Susie was runner-up New Zealand Family Lawyer of the Year in 2008 and was again nominated in 2009.

Susie is also experienced in all aspects of Employment Law including personal grievances, mediations, investigation meetings, restructuring, disciplinary issues, compliance advice and employment agreements. Susie is devoted to her family and friends. She enjoys (but never has enough time for) golf, tennis, and travelling to exotic destinations - and instead settles for evening walks with her dog.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
Mobile:+64 21 261 6666
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Judith Field is Legal Secretary to Susie This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kylie joined Layburn Hodgins soon after she began practicing Law in 2009. Kylie primarily works in the Commercial and Conveyancing team with John Abbott; however, because Layburn Hodgins is a general practice Firm, Kylie enjoys being able to practice in other areas such as Employment and Family Law.

Away from work Kylie enjoys the outdoors, spending time at the beach in the summer time, and heading up the slopes during the winter season.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Canterbury in 1998. She started work in a boutique Family Law Firm in Palmerston North and has continued to specialise in care of children, guardianship, paternity, Child Youth and Family, domestic violence and relationship property matters.

Erin can be appointed by the Court as Lawyer for the child in Christchurch, and she is qualified as a Family and Criminal legal aid provider.

In 2007 Erin was awarded a Hansard Chevening Scholarship to study for three months at the London School of Economics and Politics. Erin has an interest in community development and volunteer's time on community trust boards.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Kirstin Ross is Legal Secretary to Erin This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Daniel graduated from the University of Canterbury with an LLB in 2004 and immediately joined Layburn Hodgins to gain vital experience before embarking on his working OE in true Kiwi style. During his travels Daniel lived in London for four years working in a litigation support role for a large London law firm and then for the Department of Trade & Industry investigating misconduct in personal and corporate insolvency.

Returning to his old stomping grounds, Daniel rejoined Layburn Hodgins in 2008 to practice in Commercial and Property Law with a focus on Residential and Commercial Conveyancing, Company law and Family Trusts.

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys travelling, running and snowboarding.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Having worked in law firms in various roles since leaving school Lisa joined Layburn Hodgins in January 2004 and is invaluable as the Practice Manager responsible for the Nominee Company Lending, Trust Account, Firm Account, Debtors, Creditors, and co-ordinating all administration ensuring that the Firm runs smoothly.

Lisa has two children and is currently the Chairperson of the Addington School Board of Trustees. Lisa is a legendary baker and the Layburn Hodgins nominee for Christchurch's top baker!

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

The staff cannot remember a time when Judith was not part of the Layburn Hodgins team! As our longest serving employee Judith has been secretary to Mr Layburn, Mr Hodgins and has worked for each subsequent Partner of the Firm. Judith is currently the right hand woman to Susie Tait.

Out of work Judith is a devoted grandmother and keen walker.

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

With almost 11 years in the team at Layburn Hodgins Joy is secretary to John Abbott and Duncan Macintyre.

Outside of work hours Joy is run off her feet with 2 teenage sons and a husband. In her rare down time Joy enjoys socialising with friends and walking during the Christchurch summer. Shopping also features highly on Joy's out of work activities!

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143

Kirstin was Secretary to Erin Ebborn and is currently on Parental Leave with her first born.  Kirstin is taking 12 months leave and is planning to return in February 2013. 

Phone:+64 3 366 2332
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Fax:+64 3 366 3143