Kate joined Berry Simons as a junior in 2013.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Kate to the partnership,” says Berry Simons founding partner Simon Berry. “Kate is a top-flight lawyer who has done nothing but impress since she joined us. As well as being meticulously accurate and thorough in her legal work, Kate is a great strategic thinker and innovative problem-solver. She has fully embraced our focus on identifying practical commercial solutions to address our clients’ legal issues.”

Co-founder Sue Simons says, “Kate has a strong moral compass and a gravitas that clients respect. Her integrity and professionalism have earned her the trust of her clients, colleagues, consultants, and the Court. This partnership is richly deserved.”

Kate has been closely involved in recent high-profile successes for the firm, including the landmark Sleepyhead Estate rezoning at Ohinewai in the Waikato, and the rezoning of land at McLaughlin’s Quarry, Wiri, to enable industrial development by client Stonehill Trustee Ltd.

Before joining Berry Simons, Kate worked as a legal policy analyst for the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) and a private environmental consultancy. She studied at the University of Bristol in her native UK and later at the University of Auckland.

Kate says, “I’m honoured to be admitted to the partnership at Berry Simons. In nine years, I’ve seen it grow from a new partnership into a thriving firm with a wonderful culture that we’re all very proud of. I’m hugely looking forward to this new chapter of my career and continuing to contribute to Berry Simons’ success.”

Kate remains a member of the Board of Directors of EDS and is also a director of Te Wai o Pareira Rivercare Group. As a keen surfer and water sports enthusiast, Kate has a particular interest in ocean governance issues, and has written policy and thought leadership pieces in this area. She is also a University of Auckland mentor for He Ira Wāhine, The Women’s Mentoring Programme.

Sue says they were keen to secure her future in the team. “Kate is an excellent fit for the personality and culture of our firm, which emphasises the very highest ethical and legal standards. Berry Simons has just turned 10 and we can think of no better way to celebrate than gifting ourselves a brand-new partner – and a homegrown one at that.”

About Berry Simons

Berry Simons is a boutique Environmental Law firm working at the forefront of Environmental Law in New Zealand. Berry Simons delivers innovative and strategic solutions to challenging problems for diverse clients and projects, including complex, large-scale, and leading-edge cases.