Get to know us
Ross Holmes
Managing Director
Ross has been around the legal block a few times - he's been practicing law since 1973, and has seen it all. With years of experience, he's an expert in asset protection planning and trusts and has written more books on the subject than he can count. But don't worry, his writing is more exciting than his counting. And if that's not enough, he's also been a contributing author to the venerable legal publisher Lexis Nexis' textbook "Law of Trusts" since the early 2000s. In addition, he co-authored "Southern Cook Islands Customary Law, History, and Society" with Professor Ron Crocombe - but don't let the title fool you, it's a real page-turner. Ross loves to share his knowledge and experience with his clients in a fun and engaging way - no stuffy lawyer speak here!
Education
Victoria University
LLB. (Hons). 1971
Activities & Affiliations
• New Zealand Law Society, Member
• Cook Islands Law Society, Member
• Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Member
Bar Admissions
• New Zealand, Cook Islands
Neena Bartlett
Senior Associate
Neena is a highly valued member of the Ross Holmes team, having joined the practice in 1989. With extensive experience in property law and asset protection planning, Neena is a true legal ninja - stealthily navigating the complexities of property transactions and helping her clients protect their assets like a pro. Her attention to detail is legendary, and her ability to break down complicated legal concepts into easy-to-understand terms is unmatched. In short, she's the yin to Ross's yang, the Batman to his Robin, the peanut butter to his jelly - they're a legal dream team!
Education
Canterbury University
LLB., 1987
Auckland University
Dip. Crim., 1988
Activities & Affiliations
• New Zealand Law Society, Member
Bar Admissions
• New Zealand (1988)
Kirsty Hourigan
Registered Senior Legal Executive
Kirsty is the trust whisperer of the Ross Holmes team, with many years of experience in trust and estate administration and accounts. She joined forces with Ross in 1998 as a Trust Consultant, where she quickly proved herself as a valuable asset with her exceptional skills in the administration of trusts and estates. She also dabbles in property transactions, making her a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. Kirsty is not just any legal executive, she's a registered one, and to top it off, she's also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
Activities & Affiliations
• Fellow, New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives
Janet Holmes
Senior Legal Executive
Meet Janet, our Senior Legal Executive and expert in the field of asset protection planning and trusts. Janet's journey to becoming a legal executive was quite unique - she traded in her role as a primary school principal for a career in law (after marrying Ross)!
Since joining our team in 1993, Janet has made an enormous impact on the services we offer our clients. Her extensive experience and passion for asset protection planning have made her an invaluable member of our team. Whether you are in need of advice on creating a trust or need help with trust administration, Janet has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process.
Education
Auckland Teachers College
Diploma Teaching
Linda Zhou
Management Accountant
Linda Zhou joined our team in March 2020, and since then, she has been an invaluable member of our team. As a management accountant, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in accounting practices, ensuring the highest level of financial management for our clients. Linda's expertise in accounting has been instrumental in helping us provide top-notch services to our clients. We are lucky to have her as a part of our team.
Education
Auckland University of Technology
BBA in accounting
Jolene Holmes
Legal Secretary (working part-time on maternity leave)
Jolene is a valued member of our team, working part-time on maternity leave. She joined us in May 2020 and has been instrumental in assisting with our trust-based estate planning and marketing efforts. Jolene is a detail-oriented legal secretary with excellent organisational and communication skills. She has a passion for helping clients achieve their estate planning goals and ensuring they have a positive experience with our firm.
Jasmaine Mateariki
Legal Secretary and Client Service Officer
Jasmaine joined our team in August 2020. . She is the friendly face behind our reception desk, welcoming clients with warmth and ensuring they have a positive experience with us. In addition to her receptionist duties, Jasmaine also provides administrative support to our legal team. Her excellent organizational and communication skills make her an essential member of our team.
Jacomina Holmes
Legal Secretary
Jacomina joined our team in November 2020 and has been an invaluable member ever since. Jacomina's role involves assisting Ross Holmes with all aspects of property law work, from drafting legal documents to liaising with clients and other legal professionals. With her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Jacomina helps ensure that our property law matters run smoothly and efficiently.