We have a lot of exceptional people across Parry Field Lawyers and are delighted to officially welcome the newest member of our West Coast team.
Maria Smith has joined our Hokitika office providing support to clients on a range of matters including rural, residential and commercial property.
She’s spent the past eight years working in a mid-sized Dunedin law firm and grew up, and studied, in Otago.
“I am really enjoying Hokitika, and the wildness of the West Coast,” Maria says. “I particularly notice the warmth of people here and the relaxed pace. It’s great.”
Maria is also enjoying the diversity of work and meeting new clients.
“I think that’s why Parry Field is such a good fit for me – to be able to take the time to really get to know clients. There are clients from Otago that I will miss a lot but I’m looking forward to making new connections here.”
Background in planning
Admitted to the Bar in early 2021, Maria began her career in architectural draughting.
She then decided to do her law degree when she developed an interest in planning and the Resource Management Act.
Initially Maria studied law part-time and says once she’d completed her degree it was clear it wasn’t planning but the law itself that became her main interest.
“Basically, I’m keen on supporting people with property transactions or leases, Powers of Attorney, wills, estates and trusts, ” she says.
“I like being able to help and this work allows me to do that and be in the background getting things done.”
Maria takes over from the good work in Hokitika by solicitor Zahra Rafyee who has now moved to Christchurch based in our Riccarton office.
Trends on Coast
Our West Coast-based Partner Joseph Morris says there has been a steady increase in residential property sales over winter and it’s been a busy first half the year for the team there.
“We are seeing an increase in rural work, and we also have a number of new clients that have family trusts, in light of the new Trusts Act 2019,” he says.
“We have had very good feedback regarding the Trust Management Service that we have introduced at Parry Field.” Joseph says it’s an opportunity to make sure that clients’ family trusts are up to date and fit for purpose.
The Act came into force in January 2021 and is the first major trust law reform in New Zealand for decades. There’s further information on our website with a Practical Guide to Family Trusts or guidance on the Impact of the Trusts Act 2019.
Get in touch with Maria or any of our Coast team: Maria Smith – Parry Field Lawyers.
