The partners of Woodward Chrisp are pleased to announce that Kris Clapham is joining Woodward Chrisp as special counsel as of 17 July 2023.
Kris grew up and was educated in Gisborne. He was head boy of Gisborne Boys High School in 1991 before obtaining a BA/LLB from Auckland University.
Kris’ first law job was at Woodward Iles, which ultimately became law firm Woodward Chrisp. Kris worked at Woodward Iles for three years from 1997 to 2000 before continuing his career in London.
He returned to Gisborne in 2003 where he worked at Egan and Kite until late 2007 before joining Nolans, where he became a partner in 2008.
Kris has a strong general practice including property, trusts, estate planning, commercial transactions, and rural legal issues.
Kris said, “I am looking forward to joining the vibrancy and collegiality of Woodward Chrisp’s culture. I will continue to provide advice and legal services to my existing clients, as well as to Woodward Chrisp clients. Being able to meet with Wairoa farming clients in the firm’s Wairoa office is a bonus.”
Ellie FitzGerald, the commercial partner at Woodward Chrisp said “It is a pleasure to bring Kris and his clients on board. We run a well resourced service, where we always strive to deliver great results and an excellent service to our clients. We are looking forward to having Kris as part of our team, and as a mentor to our younger lawyers. Kris’ extensive experience will be welcome.”
Woodward Chrisp has offices in Gisborne, Wairoa and Auckland, and staff who work remotely from Whangarei, Whangamata and Los Angeles with a total staff complement of around 40, including 20 lawyers and five legal executives.
Woodward Chrisp’s litigation partner, Adam Simperingham, said “It is great to have Kris return to the fold at Woodward Chrisp. Kris was at Woodward Iles when I started with the firm in 1999. We are looking forward to being able to draw on Kris’ commercial and property experience.”
Woodward Chrisp has been in existence in various forms since the 1880s.