Practical legal advice.

National reach.

Local heart.

At Smith and Partners, we help our clients move forward with confidence, whether they're growing a business, buying property, resolving a dispute, or planning for the future.

Your Trusted Counsel

As trusted Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) lawyers with a strong foundation and a broad client base, we’ve been delivering clear, practical legal advice since 1988. From our base in West Auckland, we work with individuals, families, and businesses across Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and internationally, offering legal solutions that are grounded, strategic, and easy to understand.   


Whether you need a property lawyer, business law advice, or help with family law, we’re here to protect what matters and support your long-term success. 


We’re proud to be the firm other lawyers turn to for support with complex matters. Our depth of experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to plain English legal advice make us a trusted partner for clients across New Zealand and internationally.

What We Do

We make the law work for you, without the jargon. Our team of experienced lawyers are experts in:

Two hands clasped in a handshake, business setting. One arm is in a blue shirt, the other in white.
Office building with parking lot and street lamp under a blue sky.
Skyscrapers against a bright blue sky, angled upward; glass and steel buildings.
Family embraces in front of a window. Two children dance nearby. Sunny room with plants.
Person's hand holding a silver pen, writing on a white document with printed information, indoors.
Three people in a meeting, reviewing documents. One holds papers, two look on. Laptops and mugs on a white table.
Two people gesturing over a tablet on a desk; one points, the other gestures open-handedly.
City skyline with sailboats on the water under a cloudy sky.
A financial advisor pointing at paperwork as a senior man signs, his wife watches.

Great People

Wade Hansen

Wade Hansen

Director
Carolyn Ranson

Carolyn Ranson

Director
Bret Gower

Bret Gower

Director

Peter Smith

Consultant

Nathan Tetzlaff

Senior Associate

Rachael Chandra

Senior Associate

Natalie Miller

Associate

Marie Hansen

Special Counsel

Kristal Rogers

Associate

Tam Irvine

Senior Solicitor 

Chantal Laidler

Senior Solicitor

Bethany Sweeney

Solicitor

Jude Dragh

Solicitor

Karolina Lepiesza

Solicitor

Alex Dunne

Associate Registered Legal Executive (NZILE Fellow) 

Fiona Taylor

Senior Registered Legal Executive

Jennifer Edwards

Registered Legal Executive (NZILE Fellow)  

Jonelle Lee

Registered Legal Executive

Kandice Reilly

Registered Legal Executive

Kimberley Brown

Registered Legal Executive

Mikayla Sagar

Estate Administrator

Georgina Inwood

Graduate Law Clerk

Zaine Chand

Law Clerk

Racheal Adlam

General Manager - Finance & Operations

Annette Lines

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Deborah Sylvester

Personal Assistant

Kelly Carter

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Lisa Rogers

Personal Assistant

Suzanne Sumner

Personal Assistant

Victoria Zangel

Legal Executive - Personal Assistant

Aimee Callow

Office Systems Manager

Brianna McDonald

Accounts Administrator

Chelsea Kandregula

Receptionist

Jo-Ann Shaw

Receptionist

Leanne Reilly

Receptionist

Claudene Isaacs

Legal Assistant

Kim Swan

Legal Assistant

Wade Hansen

Director

Carolyn Ranson

Director

Recent Articles

AI legal privilege

Can using AI cause you to lose legal privilege?

By Nathan Tetzlaff • July 27, 2026
Using AI tools like ChatGPT during a legal dispute could put legal privilege at risk. Learn when privilege applies, how it can be lost, and how to protect confidential information.
First Home Buyers: Deposit vs Deposit – Understanding the Difference

First Home Buyers: Deposit vs Deposit – Understanding the Difference

By Fiona Taylor • July 20, 2026
When buying a home, the word "deposit" can be confusing because it is used in two different and distinct ways.
Employment Law Changes 2026: Distinguishing Contractors From Employees

Employment Law Changes 2026: Distinguishing Contractors From Employees – What You Need to Know

By Rachael Chandra • June 18, 2026
The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 came into force on 21 February 2026 and introduces a series of significant changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 (“the Act”).

Ready to Talk?

Need legal advice you can trust? Our team is ready to listen, guide, and stand by you. Whether you’re after clarity, support, or a plan forward – get in touch today and let’s make it happen.