The partners

Richard Harrison

Richard has practiced in the area of employment law and related areas for over 20 years. This includes representing both employers and individuals at all levels of the dispute/court process; mediation, Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and Court of Appeal.

Richard's areas of industry experience cover education, health, manufacturing, insurance, finance and service industries. Richard provides a range of advice and practical assistance to Secondary Principals/School Boards, private sector businesses and non government organisations, agencies and community groups within the health and education sectors. Richard has been involved in aspects of human resources which extend past legal representation; such as assisting and developing HR procedures, restructuring and contract negotiations.

Civil litigation is an area in which Richard continues to practice alongside his employment speciality; confidentiality, restraints, company issues involving director/shareholder disputes along with claims involving suppliers, contractors and legislative/regulatory compliance issues. Richard continues to appear and represent clients at the District and High Courts.

Gretchen Stone

Gretchen is an employment specialist, and provides a broad range of general employment advice for clients. Gretchen also has a background in corporate and commercial law, and provides commercial advice to clients on all aspects of commercial and corporate law.

Gretchen has extensive employment experience, and acts for a range of clients in dispute matters, as well as drafting compliance documentation and agreements, and general advice on employment law. Gretchen's areas of industry expertise include education, service industry, transport, and manufacturing.

Mark Aspden

Mark specialises in corporate and commercial law. Mark has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry (most recently as General Counsel of Telstra Clear) and has been involved in the negotiation and drafting of numerous telecommunications and IT contracts, as well as advising on all aspects of telecommunications, ISP and IT law.

Mark is also experienced in advising on business and company law issues including shareholding arrangements, business sales and acquisitions, contract negotiations and statutory compliance. Mark can also assist with finding practical solutions to disputes and other legal issues.Mark also has experience with legal issues facing sporting bodies. He has been a director of New Zealand Football since January 2008.