Michelle Dean Associate

LLB, BA

My interest in litigation started as a junior solicitor in commercial litigation working in a large Auckland commercial firm. I practised civil litigation with some insolvency and leaky building work. I enjoy the intellectual challenge of litigation as well as working with and getting to know clients through the litigation process.

I later moved to Tauranga for a change of scene and worked in a regional commercial firm, mainly practising employment law along with some civil litigation. I really enjoy employment law as the employment relationship is such an important one and employment issues are very relevant to most people in their daily lives.

I like the practical approach taken to litigation in the employment law area, with the focus on resolution through mediation.

I also loved living by the beach at Mount Maunganui! But travel beckoned. I headed for Europe via a two month stay in Canada for some snowboarding. I was away for almost two years, working at law firms in between travelling round Europe.

On returning to Auckland, I wanted to work with people who enjoy the law and take a practical, flexible approach to litigation. LawWorks appealed to me because the focus is really on how they can do things better for their clients and make a difference in the wider community.

I also specialise in:
Civil litigation
Insolvency

Email: michelle@lawworksnz.com

Phone: 09 303 9913
Legal Resources:

Debt Collection
There is nothing more frustrating than when someone owes you money and you have to spend money to chase them!

Flexible Working Arrangements
Sue Kedgley strikes again! From 1 July 2008 employers may have to accommodate flexible working arrangements for employees who have a child under 5 years, a disabled child or a dependent relative and have been with his/her employer for at least 6 months working the qualifying minimum hours.

Holidays - 4 Weeks a year
When the Holidays Act came into force almost four years ago, it seemed that one of the most controversial changes - four weeks holiday a year for all employees from 1 April 2007 – was a long way away.

Kiwi Saver
All employers should now be on track to ensuring their systems will be KiwiSaver compliant by the 1 July 2007 deadline.

Restraints of Trade
In the current tight labour market many employers are insisting on restraints of trade in employment agreements. So what are they?

Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007
As you are no doubt aware, the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 (“the Act”) came into force on 5 September 2007. Briefly, the Act prohibits electronic messages from a New Zealand link being sent to a recipient’s mailbox unless there is an existing business relationship between sender and recipient.

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