Firm promotes five in mid-year promotions

  • Firm news

    28 July 2025

Firm promotes five in mid-year promotions Desktop Image Firm promotes five in mid-year promotions Mobile Image

Leading New Zealand law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, has announced promotions at the Partner and Senior Associate levels as part of the firm’s mid-year senior appointments. 

The mid-year promotions include one new Partner in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, as well as four senior associates in Construction and Infrastructure, Environment and Litigation and Dispute Resolution divisions.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts Chief Executive, Andrew Poole, emphasised the importance of investing in talented people to support the firm’s ongoing growth and top-tier market position. 

To be successful in a competitive legal services market, it is essential to invest in people at all stages of their careers. We are proud of our career development track record and our firm’s unique culture which supports our lawyers’ success in their chosen practice.

It is always great to see our talented lawyers moving up, and their commitment to our firm and passion for providing excellent advice and service to our clients is invaluable.

Hannah Jaques is the firm’s newest Partner*. A highly regarded lawyer in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution division, Hannah is known for her strategic insight, technical excellence, and commitment to client service. Based in the firm’s Wellington office, she acts for both plaintiffs and defendants in high-value, complex litigation in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and in arbitration. 

Congratulations to the firm’s four new senior associates:

  • David Hebenton (Construction and Infrastructure, Auckland) – David is a specialist construction lawyer who advises on a broad range of disputes. He acts for a variety of public and private sector clients, and is experienced in all forms of dispute resolution, including adjudication, arbitration, and court proceedings (High Court and Court of Appeal). Known for his strategic and commercial approach, David consistently delivers results in complex, high-stakes matters.
  • Holly-Marie Rearic (Environment, Auckland) – Holly-Marie advises on complex environmental law matters including emissions trading, hazardous substances, and prosecutions. She delivers innovative, client-focused advice and maintains strong relationships with key clients. She is a standout practitioner in New Zealand’s environmental and planning law landscape.
  • Oliver Sutton (Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Auckland) – Oliver advises on construction, IT, insolvency, and banking litigation. He delivers commercially driven outcomes and leads innovation in legal service delivery, including AI integration and process efficiency. His strategic thinking, calm leadership, and cross-practice expertise make him a valuable asset in complex commercial disputes.
  • St John Howard-Brown (Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Wellington) – St John is a skilled litigator with experience in major commercial disputes including Taharoa, BT Mining, and Bathurst. Known for his calm, strategic approach and strong client relationships, he delivers confident representation in complex matters and is a trusted advisor in high-pressure litigation environments.

The promotions took effect on 1 July 2025.

 

* Subject to meeting New Zealand Law Society requirements.