Partners
Brian Somervell LL.B
Brian's expertise encompasses general commercial and business law, as well as property and asset protection, trusts, and intellectual property.
Brian is Holmden Horrocks' longest serving partner. He began part-time work with the firm in 1968, whilst still a student at the University of Auckland, He graduated with an LL.B in 1970, and has been with Holmden Horrocks ever since. In nearly 40 years with the firm, Brian has acted on behalf of, and provided advice to, a diverse range of clients.
PH: 09 486 4840 Email. b.somervell@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Bruno Gin LL.B, B.A.
Bruno's practice includes property (both commercial and residential), the sale and purchase of businesses, family trusts, wills and estate planning.
In 1975, the day after his last exam at the University of Auckland Law School, Bruno commenced his career with Holmden Horrocks as a law clerk, and was made a partner in 1981. His clients are largely individuals and small corporates, and he also supports non-profit organisations with legal advice. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Epsom, and has held various executive positions with the Club in the last few years.
DDI. 09 300 1087 Email. b.gin@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Mark Winger LL.B
Mark is highly regarded for his work in the areas of commercial law, corporate law and trusts, and he has acted for the New Zealand Automobile Association, of which he is a Board Member, for approaching thirty years.
Mark joined Holmden Horrocks one year after his admission to the Bar in 1977. He also advises on legal matters for a number of charitable organisations, including those operated by the Freemasons of New Zealand, and an Auckland-based Masonic fund.
DDI. 09 300 1084 Email. m.winger@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Glenn Town LL.B
Glenn's practice focuses on legal matters related to property, commercial law, and trusts.
Glenn is a graduate of the University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 1981. He joined Holmden Horrocks in 1993, and has been a partner since 1995. Within the property field, Glenn is well respected for his work in the areas of leasing, financing, sales and acquisitions, franchising, licensing and business transactions.
DDI. 09 300 1085 Email. g.town@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
John O'Toole LL.B
John's work covers the spectrum of general law fields, but particularly in the areas of residential and commercial conveyancing, matrimonial and de facto property, trusts and estates.
John is a graduate of the University of Auckland, and was admitted to the Bar in 1969. He was formerly a partner at another firm, before joining Holmden Horrocks as a partner in 1996. John is a member and former President of the Rotary Club of Devonport and honorary solicitor for a number of clubs and voluntary organisations.
DDI. 09 300 1061 Email. j.otoole@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Bernard Smith LL.B, M.Comm Law (Hons)
Bernard is a commercial lawyer with a large and valued client base which engages in the hospitality, information technology, and property development areas. He also has extensive specialist experience in the area of banking and finance, and acts for businesses involved in wholesale and retail finance.
Bernard was admitted to the Bar in 1984, and possesses an LL.B. and Master of Commercial Law from the University of Auckland. His years with one of New Zealand's biggest law firms exposed him to international banking and finance and stock exchange listed work between 1986 and 2002, before he joined Holmden Horrocks and became a partner in 2003.
DDI. 09 300 1080 Email. b.smith@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
James McLennan LL.B
James is the firm's civil and commercial litigation specialist.
James graduated from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 1995, before joining Holmden Horrocks in 1999. He was appointed to the partnership in 2003.He has appeared on behalf of clients in Courts of different jurisdictions throughout New Zealand. In addition to litigation and dispute resolution, his practice encompasses matrimonial and de facto property, family law, intellectual property issues, and employment.
DDI. 09 300 1082 Email. j.mclennan@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Associate
Melissa Lyes LL.B, B.A.
Melissa was admitted to the Bar in 2001. She joined Holmden Horrocks in 2004, and is skilled in aspects of legal work relating to property, trusts and commercial law. Melissa was made an associate of the firm in 2006.
DDI. 09 300 1090 Email. m.lyes@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz