Claire Byrne - Partner

About Claire Byrne

Career to Date

"I joined Gibson Sheat from Southall and Associates where I worked from 1999 until the firms merged in January 2002. I have previously worked in the public service industry and been a partner in Waikato law firm Harkness Henry."

Claire has considerable experience in company and commercial law, business structuring, property, trusts, employment law and franchising issues.  Claire leads our franchising team and is a key member of the employment team.

Claire acts from a wide variety of successful SME clients.

Professional Associations and Community Organisations

I sit on the Catholic Homes Trust Board.

My approach to working with my clients

Collaborative and relaxed. I work with clients as their trusted adviser; I'm someone they can relate to.

An instance when I went the extra mile for a client

A commercial transaction where we resurrected a deal that was going to fall over. Everyone was pleased with the outcome.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given

My father told me to "Always treat others as you'd expect to be treated yourself". Dad was staunch about respecting people for who they are.

What stimulates me

Achieving a positive outcome for clients. Making a difference for a client and providing advice that avoids potential problems. I like a challenge. I get great satisfaction from setting goals and achieving them, ticking them off my list.

I enjoy complex issues, which at the outset seem unlikely to be successful, but after overcoming the hurdles and moving barriers there is a positive outcome for the client. These instances provide a real sense of achievement.

What I enjoy outside of work

I enjoy food and wine, plus retail therapy. I also attend my children's sports and other activities.

If I wasn't a lawyer I'd be...

A chef, because I love cooking. I'd cook European dishes with wine.