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
PRACTICE MANAGER AND TRUST ACCOUNTANT
Sheree Boys
I am Barden and Co Legal’s Practice 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 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
SOLICITOR /CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
Lisa Pehi
Lisa is a Family Law specialist based in Waihi and working with clients across the North Island. In addition to my home Court in Waihi, I work with clients from Auckland, through to Hamilton, Morrinsville, Huntly, Tauranga, Palmerston North and as far south as Hastings.
Her focus in the area Family Law is in care of children, family violence issues and Protection of Personal Property Orders.
In her practice as a lawyer, she aims to ensure that the best outcome is reached for the clients, working effectively to understand each client’s needs and circumstances is a priority.
It is important for both clients and lawyers that we are able to create a positive environment where clients are comfortable with the process and the advice we are providing. This is how Lisa makes sure that her clients understand the Court process to, the options they have at each stage, and that they are making informed decisions at each stage.
Lisa is also a Legal Aid provider.
Contact Lisa for legal advice that puts you as the client first, from a passionate and dedicated family lawyer.
email.
lisa@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.
