Pavanie Edirisuriya and Tom Barnes.

Global law firm DLA Piper welcomes Pavanie Edirisuriya (Auckland) and Tom Barnes (Wellington) as partners to the New Zealand practice. Both Pavanie (Pav) and Tom have been with DLA Piper for a number of years.

Pav has a wide range of corporate and commercial experience. She advises on domestic and cross-border M&A, overseas investment, commercial contracts, and joint ventures. Pav has extensive experience in primary and renewable energy sectors, specialising in regulatory frameworks applicable to these sectors, including the emissions trading scheme. Pav regularly advises overseas clients investing in New Zealand.  Her clients include some of the key offshore investors in the forestry and renewable sectors recently in New Zealand.

"We’re delighted to welcome Pav to the partnership,” says Martin Thomson, “She is DLA Piper talent who began her career with us and has become an exceptional leader in our firm. She is highly regarded by clients and colleagues alike. Pav's engaging personality, deep sector knowledge and OIA expertise make her a true asset to the team.”

Tom Barnes is in DLA Piper’s financial services and funds management team. He advises leading financial institutions across the whole gamut of issues of concern to fund managers, trustees, custodians, distributors and their service providers. Tom handles regulatory compliance, governance and legal risk management, and has a strong interest in exploring the suitability of innovative products for the New Zealand market.

“Tom has well and truly proven his worth with us,” says Rachel Taylor, head of Corporate at DLA Piper New Zealand. “Some of our largest financial institutions are being well served by his depth of expertise, and his dedication to clients, with whom he has a great rapport. Tom is a valuable addition to the New Zealand partnership of DLA Piper.”

"I'm delighted to welcome Pav and Tom to the partnership" says Laura Scampion, managing partner of DLA Piper in New Zealand. "Both are highly regarded lawyers and are true advocates of our values of being supportive, collaborative, bold and exceptional. I have no doubt Pav and Tom will continue to provide excellent support to our clients."