Meet our Authors

Vanessa Leishman received a BA/LLB in 1993 from Auckland University and was admitted as a NZ legal practitioner in 1994. She was admitted as an Australian legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in 2011. She received a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) in 2012.

After practising extensively in family law and domestic violence matters in both New Zealand and Australia while a partner and director of various law firms, including her own, in 2024, Vanessa was appointed as a judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2). 

Her Honour has contributed to the Family Law, Family Violence and​​​​​ Practice Management publications.

Mark commenced practice as a barrister in 2009 after working as a senior solicitor in a large national law firm. He regularly represents parties at mediation, in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court and conducts independent workplace investigations. 

A graduate of the University of Auckland with bachelor degrees in Arts and Law (Honours), Mark is also an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder, having completed training in the conduct of impartial workplace investigations.

Mark has contributed to the Employment Law publication.

Jay Park is a property law expert and the principal and founder of Convey Law, the property law division of LAW.NZ Lawyers. He has over 18 years of experience in property law and advises clients on a wide range of matters, including commercial, business, and estates.

Jay has contributed to the Conveyancing and Property publication.

Anitesh is a Director of Resolute Lawyers. He has substantial litigation experience, including civil disputes, criminal law, and family law matters. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, and Environment Court, including as lead counsel in trials and appeals. Anitesh has worked at small and large law firms, and local and central government agencies.

Anitesh has contributed to the Litigation and Disputes publication.

James is an experienced general practice lawyer, both in private practice and in-house, in New Zealand and Victoria. James' areas of practice range from public and administrative law to commercial and property, and privacy and data issues.

James has contributed to the Companies, Trusts, Partnerships, and Practice Management publications.

Lenore is an associate with Whitcombe Law and enjoys using her knowledge of the law to guide clients through legal processes. Her compassion and commitment to building trust ensure that clients feel supported. Lenny is an active member of the Otago Women's Law Society and volunteers at the Dunedin Community Law Centre.

Lenore has contributed to the Wills and Lifetime Planning, Estate Administration, and Trusts publications.

Joon is an expert in criminal law, traffic law, tax prosecution, and getting clients discharged without conviction. He works in all Courts across New Zealand and has appeared in numerous cases from the District Court to the Court of Appeal. Joon previously worked as a senior prosecutor for the New Zealand Police, a prosecutor for the Inland Revenue, and a lawyer at the Public Defence Service.

Joon has contributed to the Litigation and Disputes and Criminal and Traffic Law publications.

A NSW solicitor since 1994, Brad completed a corporate management traineeship before more than 20 years in private and government legal practice, including as a partner, director, and consultant. After 10 years as a contributing author, Brad joined By Lawyers full time in January 2018.

As Managing Editor, Brad oversees all of the NZ publications.

A general practice lawyer for over 50 years, Guy is also highly experienced in business and is the co-founder of By Lawyers Global Publishing. As the original author of many By Lawyers publications, he is one of the most widely read legal authors in Australia and maintains active oversight of all By Lawyers publications.

Guy’s extensive legal and commercial experience is reflected in the practical, client-oriented focus that is the hallmark of By Lawyers.

Danni developed her management and communications skills in merchant banking and journalism before co-founding By Lawyers Global Publishing. A ground-breaking online publisher and talented legal author, Danni has contributed to many By Lawyers publications. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a law degree.

Danni managed a busy legal practice – an experience that drove her desire to make the practice of law more enjoyable.

Before joining the By Lawyers team, Doug practised as a litigation, commercial, and property lawyer. Highly client-focused and commercial, Doug plays a critical role in shaping By Lawyers’ vision and goals, keeping By Lawyers at the forefront of the legal publishing industry and providing high-quality legal resources and solutions to clients globally.

Paul’s experience working in small law firms helps him to bring a practical focus to his role at By Lawyers. Paul is focused on the needs of the profession and helping lawyers enjoy practice more.

Paul is responsible for overseeing By Lawyers’ day-to-day operations.

Kate has extensive experience in a general practice law firm. After qualifying as a licensed conveyancer in 2005, she completed the LPAB and was admitted to practice as a lawyer in 2014. Kate is passionate about delivering industry-leading content for law firms.

Having been with By Lawyers since the beginning, Kate works closely with our software developers, leveraging technology to improve delivery and user experience while staying ahead of industry trends in legal publishing.

Sigrid is a highly experienced practitioner, particularly in the areas of dispute resolution, financial regulation, banking, and insurance. With a strong focus on communication and plain language drafting, Sigrid ensures that publications are accessible to everyone in a firm.