Rick is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer and a skilled commercial litigator. He has over 30 years experience conducting litigation in the New Zealand courts where he has appeared on many and diverse matters. Rick also has direct GM & CEO experience through various contracting roles. Rick provides specialist advice on all aspects of business restructuring, commercial (including trans-Tasman) transactions and has significant negotiation, dispute resolution and insolvency practice.

Rick says "We need to remember that the law and its systems are the means by which our clients achieve their goals and not the ends. They are tools to be applied, with integrity, to assist our clients in their endeavours".

Kathy Carr
Director / Solicitor

Kathy has significant experience in the commercial legal arena, acting for a wide range of commercial clients including property developers, fishing industry and aquaculture operations, international forestry enterprises and various business houses from retail through to manufacture and export. Kathy commenced her practice in Auckland with one of the larger law firms, returning to Nelson in 1989. Kathy heads the conveyancing team for C & F Legal and has a significant family trust, relationship property and wills practice.

Kathy says "Our mission is to provide our clients with outstanding service to assist them in achieving their goals, ensuring that our costs are both transparent and competitive".

David Ballantyne
Solicitor

David joined C & F Legal in July 2009 as part of our successful litigation team, where he conducts a wide range of commercial, family and criminal matters.

In addition to his work in our litigation team, David has experience providing advice in complex commercial dealings including business acquisitions and restructuring, commercial contracts and terms of trade.

He is a graduate of Otago University with both a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce.

David has had a number of significant successes for our clients, including successful appearances within the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal jurisdictions and is a very valued member of our team.

Outside of work David is a passionate sportsman.  He is also currently the President of the Nelson Young Professionals.

"I enjoy working in a firm that is practical and results focused. This sits well with my own approach to life - my aim is to ensure our clients are provided with effective and efficient legal representation in pursuit of their own goals".

Andrew Shaw
Solicitor

Andrew hails from Wellington where he has spent the last 10 years working in the Information Technology industry, including as a Director of several IT services companies.  Andrew has worked with a wide spectrum of clients from small and medium businesses  through to multinational corporates and government. 

After completing his law degree from Victoria University Wellington in 2010 Andrew moved to Nelson to join the C & F Legal litigation team.

Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife Kate, daughter Madison and dog Jack.  Andrew is a vice president of the Nelson Young Professionals.

"Whilst many firms give deference to the clichés of customer service and customer expectations, I note with some satisfaction that team at C & F Legal truly dedicates itself to delivering outcomes to which our clients expect.  It is a privilege to be part of a team that walks the talk.".

Tracy joined our litigation team in May 2010.  She graduated from Flinders University in South Australia with a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (First Class Honours) and has over 8 years experience in corporate and commercial litigation in Australia and the United Kingdom.  She has particular experience in litigated matters involving insurers and has provided legal services to many large corporate insurance companies on a wide range of claims, including public/product liability, professional indemnity, life insurance, and directors’ and officers’ insurance.  Whilst in the United Kingdom, Tracy also practised in the area of health regulation. Tracy will be dealing with general civil litigation, family court matters, employment disputes and immigration matters.

Tracy says "I am delighted to have joined such a dedicated and professional team where the needs and goals of each client are paramount ".

Pauline Scott
Registered Legal Executive 

Pauline is our Registered Legal Executive and works closely with Kathy Carr attending on property and family trust work. Pauline also manages C & F Legal's Estate Administration files and can assist with Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney. Pauline has over 35 years experience working in law in Nelson and enjoys applying that experience to give efficient and personalised serviced to all C & F Legal's clients.

Pauline says "I cannot help but be enthusiastic about a firm that treats their clients as friends and its team as family ".

Karen has been working with Rick, Kathy and Pauline since 2004 and is our longstanding Legal PA. Karen was one of the founding members of C & F Legal, playing an integral role in the setting up of and continued operation of our firm. Karen competently supports Kathy and Pauline to provide our clients with efficient service. Karen also manages our firms IT, and attends to design requirements for branding, advertising and sponsorship. Karen’s knowledge of the firm’s administration practices is invaluable to our operation.

Karen says "It is great to work with a talented team who enjoy our work and strive put our clients first".

Sarah Bevernage
Legal PA

Sarah joined our team in April 2010 and is the PA to Rick Farr and the litigation team. She had recently been working in Edinburgh as Clerk to the Panel for a Public Inquiry. Sarah has over five years of office administration and customer service experience.

Sarah says "It's brilliant to be back in Nelson working in such a client focused team. I am getting to know our clients and looking forward to helping them, and the litigation team, to achieve the best results".

Paul joined us as our Trust Account Manager in December 2010. Paul brings some 20 years experience to this role as our Trust Accountant. Paul has worked with Kathy, Rick, Pauline and Karen previously and we are thrilled that he is part of our team again. His integrity and ability in managing this most important part of our business will ensure our clients' financial affairs are managed as they should be and with the thoroughness and accuracy we have come to expect from Paul.

Paul says "I am delighted to be working with the team at C & F Legal Ltd."

Megan Lewis
Receptionist