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 ten 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
BUSINESS MANAGER | TRUST ACCOUNTANT
Sheree Boys
I am Barden and Co Legal’s Business 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
ASSOCIATE
Loren St George
I am an Associate at Barden and Co, Legal and specialise in Conveyancing, Subdivisions, and Estate Administration.
I graduated with an LLB from the University of Waikato in 2018 and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2019.
Currently living in Tauranga, I work predominantly remote and visit the office weekly to meet with clients. Having grown up in Waihi Beach I have a strong connection to the community.
My focus lies predominately in property law; however, I have a range of experience in Estate Administration, Trusts, Relationship Property, Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney. I take a positive and focused approach with my clients to assist in achieving their desired outcomes.
Building strong and constructive relationships with my clients allows me to effectively work through each matter.
I am passionate about providing practical and workable advice to ensure coming to visit your lawyer is a seamless and valuable process
email. loren@bardenandco.nz
SOLICITOR
Melissa Samuels
I work as a solicitor.
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
INFORMATION MANAGER
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.
REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Sarah Newton Gardner
I started at Barden & Co in January of 2024. I currently work as a Registered Legal Executive. I specialise mostly in Conveyancing, Estates, Wills, and Enduring Power of Attorney documents.
I have been local to the area since I was a toddler, and have loved living close to the Beach.
I have always had an interest in the Law, which led me to my Legal Studies after I finished school. I enjoyed my studies and liked that I was able to complete it from anywhere in New Zealand, as being around my family and friends, being a part of my local fire brigade, and the beach are all important to me and keep my love and connection to the area.
I enjoy being part of the team and providing expert assistance.
