General Business/SMEs

Charlene is a partner in the firm's commercial team. She advises both established and early and high growth businesses at an operational and governance level, at all stages of the business lifecycle.

Charlene has vast experience in the preparation and review of commercial contracts, including contracts for services, terms of trade, supply agreements, intellectual property, data licensing agreements and confidentiality agreements. She is known for her pragmatic and focussed approach to negotiating contracts and ensuring they are fit for purpose and user-friendly.

Charlene also assists SMEs with broader legal issues affecting their business, including gaining brand protection and registration of intellectual property, assisting clients as they grow and downsize - particularly in relation to the effect on employees, client/supplier arrangements and bank financing, as well as helping business owners protect their personal assets from business risks.

She also frequently supports councils, advising them on operational matters within the local government framework.

In addition to working with businesses and councils, Charlene offers specialist expertise in charity law.

Specialist areas of practice

Commercial law Employment Intellectual property and technology Charity law Local government law

NZLS Canterbury-Westland Branch Council Intellectual Property Society of Australia & New Zealand Canterbury Women's Legal Association Institute of Directors                                                                                                                          Board Member of Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury

Partner

LLB (Hons), BCom - University of Canterbury