DLA Piper expands New Zealand team with senior promotions & hires
The changes come in response to increased client demand in areas including financial services, employment, infrastructure, renewable energy, regulatory reform, and Māori legal matters.
Senior promotions
Nick Byrnes has been promoted to Special Counsel in Auckland, where he will continue to contribute to the growth of DLA Piper's real estate, construction, and infrastructure practice. Byrnes advises a variety of clients such as global investors and developers on all elements of project delivery for data centre, logistics, student accommodation, and renewable energy developments. He has been recognised as a Future Legal Leader by NZ Lawyer and leads thought leadership on trends shaping New Zealand's built environment.
Mike Campbell, now Senior Associate in Wellington, has extensive experience in resource management and local government law. He provides advice to corporates with substantial landholdings and development interests and has represented clients in high-profile litigation related to freshwater, urban development, and forestry. Campbell regularly presents on developments in resource management law.
Tyson Hullena, another Senior Associate based in Wellington, enhances the firm's capacity in dispute resolution and Māori law. Hullena's work involves advising Māori landowners and post-settlement governance entities on cases involving tikanga Māori, Māori land and collective ownership, alongside their intersection with common law. He brings specialist insight to legal and regulatory aspects of emerging technology issues, and assists clients with breach of confidence matters and risks around sensitive information.
Strategic lateral hires
Jennifer Smith has rejoined DLA Piper as Senior Associate in Wellington after working with a law firm in Hong Kong for two years. Smith is recognised for advising financial market participants on managed investment schemes and product offerings across retail and wholesale markets. Her expertise covers Cayman investment vehicles, private equity, and hedge funds, with experience in fund formation, restructuring, and governance.
Kieron Creagh joined as Senior Associate in Auckland from a New Zealand law firm earlier in 2025. Admitted in both New Zealand and Australia, Creagh brings trans-Tasman experience to DLA Piper's employment practice. She provides strategic advice on restructures, dispute resolution, compliance with minimum entitlements, and health and safety obligations. Creagh was recognised as a Rising Star by NZ Lawyer in 2022. "Our continued investment in outstanding talent is guided by what our clients need most – whether that is delivering major infrastructure projects, creating innovative financial products, addressing regulatory change, or managing workforce and governance risk. These promotions and appointments deepen our specialist capability in critical areas, ensuring we provide the right expertise locally, while drawing on the strength of our global firm. Each of these lawyers brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for both New Zealand businesses and those that operate globally."
This statement was made by Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper in New Zealand.
Additional appointments
The firm has promoted Michael Fitzpatrick-Cockram to Associate in Wellington, effective from the beginning of July 2025. Three further appointments have been made in Auckland, with Anne Hewson, Paul Park, and Jacob Smith joining the finance, corporate, and litigation/regulatory teams.
Over the past year, DLA Piper in New Zealand has made more than eight mid-level and senior lateral hires, strengthening its market position. The firm was awarded 'Best New Zealand Law Firm' at the 2025 Beaton Client Choice Awards.
DLA Piper also announced the promotion of James Wrighton to Marketing and Business Development Executive, supporting the growth of client relationships across the country.
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