Johnston Lawrence

John Stevens — Director

John, our Managing Partner, joined Smyth & Johnston as a law clerk in 1965 and became a partner in 1968. Since then he has taken a leading role in the development of the firm, including incorporating Beere & Riddiford in 1970, moving premises, amalgamating with Lawrence Elder & Co in 1988 and incorporating Gilbert Swan in 2008.

As the principal legal adviser to a number of trade organisations and other large organisations John advises clients on a wide range of commercial and personal law matters. He is involved with Maori land owning groups, advising them on commercial projects, rural development and Treaty claims.

John offers our clients practical solutions to the challenges of running a business or organisation today.

Public law is an important part of our practice: John heads this team which has a significant client base. He works with clients and officials to help achieve outcomes which are advantageous for both the clients and the public.

John is also involved in offering legal advice to the wider community. He is a member of the board of trustees of one of New Zealand's most successful schools, and has been an office holder for a number of national charitable organisations.

In 2004 John was awarded a President’s Citation for 30 years service as a senior legal advisor to the REINZ. John is actively involved in his church community and with Red Cross and has held governance positions at all levels.

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