MEET THE TEAM
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated and talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, who combine the ability to deliver local knowledge with an experience of international business.
DIRECTOR | SOLICITOR
Gemma Barden
I am the Director of Barden and Co Legal and have owned the firm for six years.
In 2015, I purchased the firm from Michael Curtis the prior owner of Clark and Gay. The firm was re-named to Barden and Co Legal at the end of 2020.
Throughout my years in the legal profession, I have developed experience in a wide range of areas including, Civil and Criminal litigation, Family Law, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing, Relationship Property, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning.
My focus is on advocating for my clients and developing workable solutions for their legal issues. I develop open and positive relationships with my clients to enable transactions to run smoothly. I excel in negotiations and pride myself on my ability to reach practical outcomes under any circumstances.
Prior to Barden and Co Legal, I worked as a Judges Clerk at the Ministry of Justice from 2007-2009 before being admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court in Auckland. After admission I entered the legal profession as general practitioner and went on to join the team at Clark and Gay Solicitors in 2011.
email. gemma@bardenandco.nz
SOLICITOR
Nayna Patel
I am a Solicitor and have been with Barden & Co Legal for a number of years. I currently work in the areas of Family Law specialising in Relationship Property; Wills & Estate planning; and Employment Law. I am interested in helping clients and working on solutions to my client’s issues.
I have several years’ experience working in law and business. I graduated from the University of Auckland with a conjoint degree in Law and Commerce. After graduation I worked for a large international accounting firm in Auckland. I then went to work in London, and Wellington, prior to relocating to Waihi.
SOLICITOR
Lisa Pehi
I am a Solicitor specialising in Family Law, with a focus on the Care of Children. I am also knowledgeable in Residential Conveyancing and Succession.
Working effectively to understand each client’s needs and circumstances is the focus of my role and I ensure that each client knows what their options are so that the best outcome achievable for them can be reached.
I completed my LLB(Hons) in 2017 at the University of Waikato and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2018.
email.
lisa@bardenandco.nz
SOLICITOR
Loren Goodhue
I am a Solicitor who currently specialises in Residential Conveyancing and Estate Administration.
After completing my LLB at the University of Waikato in 2018, I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2019. Being a Waihi Beach local, I was eager to make the move back home for work.
The most important part of my work is communicating and building strong client relationships. I take a proactive approach and work efficiently to develop workable solutions for my clients.
I am experienced in obtaining Probate and Letters of Administration for Estate Administration, and also have good experience with the Residential conveyancing process. I especially enjoy assisting first home buyers, and am very familiar with the Kiwisaver withdrawal process.
email. loren@bardenandco.nz
REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Melissa Samuels
I work as Registered Legal Executive.
I started with Barden & Co in 2017 as an administrator and gained my qualification as a Registered Legal Executive in March 2021.
My experience is focused mainly on conveyancing and property law, but I have also assisted in matters relating to Trusts and Estates.
I grew up in the Waihi area and raised my children there as well before moving to Napier. I retain my connection to the area through my work as well as friends and family who still live there.
email. melissa@bardenandco.nz
CLIENT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR
Toni Wood
I work front of house at Barden & Co, Legal assisting clients with their queries, and assisting our team of lawyers with file administration – enabling them to provide our high level of service to our clients.
Prior to coming onboard at Barden & Co, I have previously worked for several years in administration, having recently returned to work after having my young boys.
You’ll find me available to assist you from 9.00am till 2.30pm Monday to Thursday each week.
email. toni@bardenandco.nz
OFFICE MANAGER AND TRUST ACCOUNTANT
Sheree Boys
I am Barden and Co Legal’s Office Manager and Trust Accountant. I also provide Executive Assistant support to Gemma Barden.
Prior to joining the Barden and Co team, I have experience working as office manager and in administration. In particular, I enjoy working in the area of finance and am an expert in all things administration and office management. I work closely with all of the Barden and Co staff, to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the firm. You may also find me assisting clients at our front counter.
Email: sheree@bardenandco.nz