Our People

Ruta Faiga, Director

LLB; BA (Economics and Administration)

Ruta has been in private practice since 2003 and is fluent in Samoan.

Her areas of practice are Property Law, Family Law including Oranga Tamariki matters, Conveyancing, Trusts, Estates & Immigration.

Ruta previously worked for the Treasury Department in Samoa before moving to New Zealand. She worked at the Treasury in New Zealand full time while undertaking her law degree at Victoria University and had a year and a half with the Legal Services Agency before pursuing a legal career. 

She is committed in ensuring that Pacific people are treated fairly within the legal system.

 

Sharon France, Director

LLB 

Sharon was admitted to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor in July 2006, following an entertaining career in radio and print broadcasting. 

Sharon spent two years at Waikanae Law before going into practice as a Barrister Sole, then as a Barrister and Solicitor. Sharon practiced in Waikanae for 5 years until she was asked to join The Law Store. 

Sharon is a Lawyer for Child and represents children by Court appointment and is also a parole lawyer.

When not practicing law, Sharon is into DIY and spending time with her family.

 

Madeline Stewart, Senior Solicitor

LLB

Madeline Stewart graduated from Victoria University in 2017 with an LLB and admitted to the Bar in September 2018. 

Madeline practices in Family Law, Wills and EPOAs. 

 

 

Kaye Hawke,

Legal Secretary 

 

Abigail Pa'u,

Legal Assistant