Rachel Vokes - Solicitor

About Rachel Vokes

Career to date

Prior to joining Gibson Sheat I practiced in the litigation team of another Wellington based law firm, where I gained invaluable experience in all areas of litigation but with a particular focus on civil and commercial litigation - asset and security advice and realisation and debt recovery, insolvency - bankruptcy and liquidation. 

My practice included employment law, assisting both employers and employees, with a particular focus on disciplinary and performance based employment issues and redundancy.

I also specialised in family law with a focus on relationship property, advising and assisting clients with the protection of their property from relationship breakups during existing relationships and in advising and assisting clients with the division of relationship property at the end of relationships.  In my previous practice I presented relationship property seminars to the public and professional groups such as accountants.

Rachel is part of Gibson Sheat's Lower Hutt litigation team.  Her current focus in on security realisation and debt recovery.

My approach to working with clients

I ensure that I understand my client, how they or their business operates and what's important to them.  I understand the issue they need my assistance with and provide clear, rounded and frank advice to ensure that their decisions are informed. 

The best piece of advice I've ever been given

Keep your eye on the ball and in the words of my late father "better to look stupid for a minute than be ignorant for a lifetime - keep asking the question until you get the answer".

What stimulates me

A challenge, working hard, and achieving the desired result.  Although a lot can also be said for the lessons we learn from challenges checkered with difficulties and even challenges lost, so long as never abandoned.

What I enjoy outside of work

Laughing out loud and as often as possible - in my own company, with friends, and with family.  Unplanned travel excursions, including roadies - always surprising and hardly ever disappointing - regardless of the destination.

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

A war reporter/journalist.