Our People | Holmden Horrocks

Litigation Team

James McLennan
LLB | Knowledge Leader

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James McLennan
LLB | Knowledge Leader
- 027 469 5359
- j.mclennan@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
James leads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution team.

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. His practice includes work in civil and commercial litigation, including in the insurance and leaky buildings fields, and also encompasses matrimonial and de facto property, family law, intellectual property issues and employment. He prides himself on strong preparation and thoroughness.

Trusts and Estates Team

Brian Somervell
LLB | Knowledge Leader

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Brian Somervell
LLB | Knowledge Leader
- 09 486 4840
- b.somervell@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Knowledge leader in trusts and estates Brian leads the trusts and estates team from our Takapuna office. He has significant expertise in commercial and business law, property and intellectual property having practised for many years on the North Shore. Brian began part-time work with the firm in 1968, while a student at the University of Auckland and has been with Holmden Horrocks ever since In over 50 years with the firm, Brian has acted for, and provided advice to, a diverse range of clients and has immense institutional knowledge of the Auckland legal scene. He provides knowledgeable, pragmatic advice on a range of issues affecting contemporary New Zealanders.
Tiari Nicklin
LLB/BCom

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Tiari Nicklin
LLB/BCom
- 303-3989
- t.nicklin@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Tiari joined Holmden Horrocks as a law graduate in 2024. He is supervised by Brian Somervell in the areas of wills, trusts and estates. Originally from Palmerston North, he studied LLB/BCom (Accounting and taxation) at Victoria University. While furthering his knowledge of tax law, he looks forward to developing the skills and expertise of a generalist solicitor. He works in both the City and Takapuna offices and assists clients at either location.

He has links to Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Pāhauwera. Outside work he enjoys studying languages (French, German, Italian and Latin), admiring the natural environment and reading books on philosophy.
Chris Foote
LLB (Hons)

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Chris Foote
LLB (Hons)
- 09 399 2378
- c.foote@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Chris’ legal career began at Holmden Horrocks in the early 1970s, and he has now re-joined us as a consultant after nearly fifty years. Chris practices predominantly in the areas of property, trusts, estate planning, commercial and family law, and he also brings to the firm his extensive experience in civil litigation.

After his initial stint with Holmden Horrocks, Chris qualified to work as a solicitor in England, but he has spent the last 39 years practising in New Zealand, during which time he has served for many years on several Auckland District Law Society practice committees, and is currently the convenor of the Courthouse Liaison Committee.

Commercial Team

Mark Winger
LLB | Knowledge Leader

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Mark Winger
LLB | Knowledge Leader
- 064 9 300 1084
- m.winger@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Knowledge leader Commercial Law; Trusts; Charities Mark is a highly experienced lawyer having been associated with the New Zealand Automobile Association for over 40 years. He started the journey representing NZAA members in the District Court in 1976 and since then has held many governance roles including as a Director of their joint venture companies and is currently President. The experience gained from this exposure has delivered a wide range of skills, enabling Mark to deliver legal advice in a pragmatic and practical manner. A problem solver for the 2020’s.
Blair Franklin
LLB/BProp | Primary Contact

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Blair Franklin
LLB/BProp | Primary Contact
- 027 413 1137
- b.franklin@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Primary client contact in commercial area.

Blair has been at Holmden Horrocks since 2008 and a partner since 2019.

Blair specialises in commercial & business law, but also has extensive experience in property law (residential and commercial), trusts, estates, and asset planning . Most of his clients are individuals or small businesses. Blair graduated from Auckland University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Property.

Outside of work Blair enjoys spending time with his wife and young family, coaching rugby, playing golf, and serving on a charitable trust board.

Office Administrator/Accountant

Cindy Lin
Legal Accountant/Office manager

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Cindy Lin
Legal Accountant/Office manager
- 303-3989
- c.lin@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Cindy is the Legal Accountant/Office manager, responsible for the daily oversight of both trust and general accounts. She provides invaluable support to partners, administration of the firm and human resources and ensures everything goes smoothly in the firm.

Cindy has over fifteen years in trust accountant roles . She is a detail-driven and confident accounting professional with excellent problem solving skills. Outside of work, Cindy is busy with her young children. She enjoys travelling, listening to music and taking kids fishing.

Property Team

Bruno Gin
LLB, BA | Knowledge Leader

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Bruno Gin
LLB, BA | Knowledge Leader
- 09 300 1087
- b.gin@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Knowledge leader in Property Bruno leads the property team specailising in both commercial and residential property. He also has extensive experience in the sale and purchase of businesses, family trusts, and asset protection.

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 range from individuals through to small corporates, and he also supports non-profit organisations with legal advice. By nature, he is calm and considered and exudes warmth and compassion in his dealings with clients. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Epsom, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Mina Kiryakos
Primary client contact in property LLB (Hon)

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Mina Kiryakos
Primary client contact in property LLB (Hon)
- 300-1090
- m.kiryakos@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Mina graduated with a LLB (Hon) from Auckland University of Technology in 2019. She joined Holmden Horrocks as a law clerk in July 2020 and was admitted to the bar later that same year.

Mina specialises in property transactions (residential & commercial) & property finance. She also has extenisve experience in Wills, Enduring powers of attorney, estate administration and Trusts. She works in both the City and Takapuna offices and assists clients at either location.

Outside work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading a good book and practicing yoga.
Grant Robinson
LLB

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Grant Robinson
LLB
- 09 300 1363
- g.robinson@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
Grant joined Holmden Horrocks after many years in sole practice. He has a wealth of experience in private client matters including residential and commercial property transactions, small business transactions, wills, trusts and estates. Grant is based in our Takapuna office.
Glenn Town
LLB

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Glenn Town
LLB
- 09 300 1085
- g.town@holmdenhorrocks.co.nz
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 became a partner in 1995. Glenn is well respected in the property field for his work in the areas of sales, acquisitions, financing and leasing. He also practises extensively in the areas of estates and trusts.

Litigation Team

Trusts and Estates Team

Commercial Team

Office Administrator/Accountant

Property Team

Areas of Law