property lawyers, barristers, solicitors, real estate transactions, estate planning, estate administration, trusts, business sale, business purchases, commercial property, family law, howick, highland park, east auckland

Our Team

Les Divers - Director

Les has been a principal of Churton, Hart & Divers since 1975. He was the firm’s litigation partner for 30 years but the continuous growth of the practice means that his Court or Tribunal appearances are now rare. His wide background in and knowledge of many aspects of the law enables him to provide clients with practical, sage advice. Les enjoys the relationship he develops with clients, evidenced by acting for multiple generations of some families over periods of decades.

Property, both commercial and residential, trusts, estates, and relationship property agreements are areas of the law in which Les is particularly experienced.

A resident of the area since 1967, Les enjoys his family which includes grandchildren, fishing, running and is an active Rotarian.

Michele Lu - Director

DDI: 09 533 9478 email: michele@propertylawyer.co.nz

After working in a reputable Newmarket law firm for more than 10 years, Michele joined the firm in August 2013 and is now a director of the firm. Michele gained her legal executive qualification in 2001 and subsequently completed her law degree at Auckland University in 2008.

As a general practitioner, Michele assists her clients with buying and selling properties and businesses, leasing commercial premises, subdividing land, drafting Wills, forming Trusts and managing estate matters.

Michele is fluent in English, Mandarin and Shanghainese.  She enjoys working with clients in their own language.  She adopts a client focused approach based on listening to their needs, turning work around quickly and providing simple solutions.  

Mark Mason - Consultant

Mark assists clients of the firm in creating, reviewing and carrying out health checks on Trusts. Mark is a Solicitor who has previously acted as a consultant to this firm and has a wide range of experience as a principal of a legal firm, National Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, presenter for the NZ Law Society and in property and business development. 

He brings a significant amount of experience to be able to ensure that your Trust is up to date and is reviewed appropriately. 

 

Julie Lim - Solicitor

DDI: 09 930 7380 email: julie@propertylawyer.co.nz

Julie graduated from University of Auckland in 2011 with a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. Prior to joining the firm Julie worked for law firms out in Pukekohe and Newmarket. Julie has extensive experience in Residential Conveyancing, Commercial, Business sales and purchases, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorneys, Trusts and Relationship Property agreements.

 

Toni Hawkey – Trust Accountant

Toni has more than 25 years’ experience in legal accounts at various legal firms in Christchurch and Auckland.  Toni started with the firm in 2001 as a part timer while raising her children has been our full time trust accountant since 2013.

Known for her meticulous record-keeping, Toni is responsible for the effective operation of our trust account and handling of client’s funds as well as all aspects of the firms office account.

Outside of work, Toni enjoys running, road cycling and spending time outdoors and with her family.

 

Vanya Jones – Legal Executive

DDI: 09 930 7382 email: vanya@propertylawyer.co.nz 

Vanya joined the firm in 2014 having started working in law in the 1990s.  She qualified as a Legal Executive in 2003 and has worked for many city and suburban law practices over the years.  Vanya has experience in Conveyancing, estate planning, estate administration and trusts.  

 

Jenny Seto – Legal Executive

DDI: 09 930 7381 email: jenny@propertylawyer.co.nz 

Jenny is a qualified Legal Executive.  Jenny joined the firm after having worked in Highland Park, Newmarket, and Ponsonby. Jenny has extensive property experience in Residential and Commercial conveyancing, Unit Titling, Business Sale and Purchases, Trust and Wills.

 

Natalie Outtrim – Legal Secretary

Natalie is an experienced legal secretary and has been with the firm for 9 years. Natalie has previously worked for various legal firms since leaving school. Natalie enjoys working for the firm due to the proximity of the office close to home as she places a high importance on family.  Natalie is married with two children who attend Pakuranga College.

 

 Mila Cheung - Legal Secretary

Mila have been working in various Auckland law firms since 1999 and is a qualified Legal Executive. Mila is the assistant to Michele and Julie assisting them with property conveyancing transactions and other general legal matters.  Mila enjoys working alongside the pleasant friendly work mates in Churton Hart & Divers.   

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