Dentons strengthens national capability with new promotions

Dentons is delighted to announce a new round of promotions across New Zealand, recognising exceptional performance and further strengthening key practice areas nationwide. This year's promotions span multiple practice groups and reflect the depth of expertise and commitment our people bring to clients across the country.

Charlotte Evans and Mothla Majeed have been promoted to Special Counsel, while Rachel Harper and Sally Togher have been promoted to Senior Associate. Additionally, Amy Christian, Anna Zhang, Crystal Liu, Dan Smith, Georgia Stafford and John Alcantara have all been promoted to Associate.

Special Counsel promotions

Promoted to Special Counsel in our Employment team, Charlotte Evans brings deep experience across employment law, workplace investigations and health and safety matters. Based in Auckland, she advises on employment agreements, performance and disciplinary processes, bullying and harassment issues and health and safety compliance. Charlotte regularly supports employers navigating complex workplace challenges and has represented clients before the Employment Relations Authority, District Court and Employment Court.

Mothla Majeed has been promoted to Special Counsel in our Public Law and Dispute Resolution team. Based in Wellington, she advises on privacy and official information, statutory decision-making, complex regulatory issues and public sector inquiries and reviews. She has extensive experience across public, regulatory and administrative law. Mothla has a strong background supporting central and local government, including significant in-house roles, and is known for providing clear, pragmatic guidance on sensitive or high stakes matters. She regularly assists agencies and organisations to navigate governance obligations, policy development and public law risk.

Senior Associate promotions

Stepping into a Senior Associate role within our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, Rachel Harper draws on her broad experience in health law. Joining Dentons in 2024, Rachel takes a practical, client-focused approach to supporting clients, with particular experience in professional disciplinary matters and treatment injury claims within the accident compensation scheme. She regularly advises on a range of legal issues that arise in the Health sector.

With a strong track record in employment law, Sally Togher has been promoted to Senior Associate in our Employment team. Sally supports clients across the full range of employment law issues, from day-to-day queries to complex organisational challenges. Her work spans personal grievances, restructurings, performance and conduct issues and the development of employment agreements, policies and frameworks. Sally is known for her pragmatic, clear guidance and her ability to help organisations resolve matters quickly and constructively, including through mediation.

Associate promotions

The promotion of six Associates highlights our ongoing growth and investment in developing future leaders.

Amy Christian (Real Estate), Anna Zhang (Banking and Finance), Crystal Liu (Banking and Finance), Dan Smith (Employment), Georgia Stafford (Corporate and Commercial) and John Alcantara (Tax) have promoted to Associate.

"Our people are at the heart of what we do every day at Dentons," says Charles Spillane, Chief Executive of Dentons in New Zealand. "These promotions reflect the outstanding capability, dedication and leadership shown across the firm. It is exciting to see our people take meaningful strides in their careers. We are proud to support their continued growth. Congratulations to all our lawyers on this well-earned achievement."

These promotions highlight Dentons commitment to developing the next generation of legal talent, while further strengthen the firm's position as a leading provider of exceptional legal services across New Zealand.

About Dentons

Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com