Dentons New Zealand

Property

Partner

Michelle is a partner and the business unit leader of our national real estate practice. With extensive expertise in commercial leasing, acquisitions, disposals, and developments, she has established herself as a leading real estate lawyer.

Michelle acts for a broad range of clients including multi-national corporates, significant global real estate development and investment platforms, institutional and private property investors and developers, bodies corporate and businesses with extensive leasing portfolios including well-known food, beverage and retail brands.

Known for her exceptional skills in collaborating with CEOs, general counsel, general managers, and asset managers, Michelle consistently achieves successful outcomes for her clients. Her clients appreciate her deep understanding and support of their roles, as well as her ability to provide clear, concise, prompt and logical advice. She fosters productive working relationships and is praised for being thorough, knowledgeable, careful, and responsive. Clients trust that their properties are well protected with Michelle's involvement.

Beyond her legal practice, Michelle actively contributes to the legal community. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society and was a past-Committee Member of the Property Transactions Committee. Qualified as an Accredited Specialist of the Property Law Section, Michelle is recognised for her commitment to professional excellence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was selected to join a small working group advising the New Zealand Government and property lawyers on commercial leasing issues.

Michelle shares her expertise through guest lecturing at the University of Auckland for the Bachelor of Property program since 2014. She also contributes regularly to the New Zealand Law Society's 'The Property Lawyer' magazine with her column on commercial leasing topics. Michelle has been invited to speak at numerous legal and academic conferences, further establishing herself as a thought leader in the industry.

English

Committee member of the Property Transactions Committee of the New Zealand Law Society

Member of planning committee for New Zealand Law Society Property Law Conference 2020

Representative on Corporate Members’ Group of the Property Council of New Zealand

Accredited member of the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society

Member of Property Council of New Zealand

Member of Women in Property New Zealand

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Auckland, 1996 Admission date: 1996