Joined Marks & Worth in August 2024

 

On being admitted to the Bar in 2019, Claire gained valuable experience undertaking trust reviews for Race Douglas Burke and has been volunteering at Community Law Otago since 2021.

 

Claire loves being part of a team of people who support our clients through major life events, in both happy and challenging times. She gets to sink her teeth into a broad range of legal work including high quality document drafting, researching and providing advice. She works across relationship property, conveyancing, wills, EPAs, employment issues and trust administration.

 

Inspired by the hotshots of TV’s Suits and Boston Legal, alongside a healthy appreciation of John Grisham novels, Claire was first bitten by the legal bug as a young journalist covering the Balclutha Magistrate’s court. Joining our practice fulfils a dream to practice law – although the deal was sealed when (resident doggo) Pedro claimed his spot on her lap during her job interview.

 

She brings to Marks & Worth Lawyers management experience in the not-for-profit sector, tertiary education, government and consulting.

 

Claire loves that no two days are the same. She may start the day drafting a will, or a commercial property contract, immediately followed up by working on the distribution of an estate or a complex employment case. 

 

A South Otago farm girl who could drive a tractor at 10, every school holidays, young Claire was recruited to help with the shearing – first in her family’s woolshed, then on neighbouring farms. This experience, she believes, has kept her grounded, humble, and extremely appreciative of her vacation time.

 

Balancing work and life, off-duty Claire can be found exploring the beautiful Otago Peninsula spotting Tui, Fantails and Bellbirds. Or basking in the garden – her happy place – nestled among roses, rosemary bushes, and all the other sights, sounds and scents of her peaceful green space.