Ms Rachel Taylor > DLA Piper New Zealand > Wellington, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

DLA Piper New Zealand advises clients across the spectrum of investment fund work, from transactional to regulatory. The firm is able to draw on its international presence and array of practice area specialisation to offer clients a comprehensive service. Alasdair McBeth, a seasoned advisor on funds management and superannuation, and Rachel Taylor, who advises on structuring and compliance, are the firm’s practice heads. Within the team, Tom Barnes assists clients with fund formation, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation at a domestic and international level. Lola Stoodley is experienced with retail investment funds, wholesale schemes, workplace superannuation, and insurance products.

DLA Piper New Zealand advises clients on litigation, regulatory, corporate, and commercial matters in the insurance space. The firm is well-versed in guiding clients through regulatory investigations, as well as capital raising and corporate structuring for insurers. The team is led by Rachel Taylor, a veteran in the design of new products and compliance, and Emma Moran, an experienced litigator in the fields of insurance, construction, and life sciences. In August 2023, Daniel Street joined the team from Chapman Tripp.

Well-versed in mid-market and high-end M&A transactions, DLA Piper New Zealand advises blue-chip clients in transactions spanning an array of industries. The firm specialises in renewables, TMT, consumer goods, life sciences, and primary sector matters. It is also able to leverage its international footing to assist with foreign investments. Rachel Taylor leads from Wellington, advising on structurings, capital raisings, and funding. Reuben Woods and Martin Thomson work on multi-jurisdictional transactions and inward investments respectively. Martin Wiseman specialises in advising annuity clients, while Aoife O’Gorman is qualified in both Ireland and New Zealand, with further experience practising in the UK. Pavanie Edirisuriya was promoted to partner in July 2023.