W+K is pleased to announce that four of our senior lawyers have been named as Rising Stars 2022 by NZ Lawyer in their latest report released today. The Rising Stars Report recognises excellence in young lawyers in New Zealand and those who are showing signs of becoming the industry’s future leaders.

Alana Lathrope has a hybrid role, working as both as a Senior Associate and Client + Markets Manager. Alana provides high-calibre technical legal and strategic advice to her clients and is “committed to delivering to a very high standard in all aspects of her work and this is displayed in her continuous achievements and success.” She manages a portfolio of construction and real estate professional indemnity matters within the firm’s Financial Lines team.

Charles Henley works in our General Liability team with a focus on managing fire claims, as well as recovery actions and construction related matters. Charles “is not only a technically able lawyer who can navigate clients through complex legal issues in a straightforward way, but he is also pragmatic, commercial and highly valued by clients”. He is often instructed to manage some of our client’s major high-profile claims, including complex litigation.

Meredith Karlsen an “outstanding lawyer with an approach that is both caring and technically proficient. She gets the confidence of clients who trust and rely on her to guide them through difficult and complex situations”. Meredith works in the Financial Lines team and is a litigation and employment expert. As counsel she regularly represents clients engaging in alternative dispute resolution and at all levels of the judicial system.

Kate Wills works in our Health Team and assists medical practitioners through investigations and in coronial inquiries. She has appeared as counsel in the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, Human Rights Review Tribunal and appeals in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Kate “displays a maturity and legal ability ‘beyond her years’. It is no coincidence that she is first port of call for Senior Counsel seeking a junior”.

Congratulations on this well-deserved market recognition of your outstanding legal work and contribution to the firm and clients as our next generation leaders.