After more than 34 years at Lane Neave, and 27 years as a Partner, Lane Neave’s Managing Partner Andrew Shaw is to retire from the Partnership.
Andrew has carved out a national reputation as an employment, health and safety and ACC law specialist, regularly representing his clients in mediations, the Employment Relations Authority, the Employment Court and Court of Appeal.
Andrew helped establish Lane Neave’s Employment Law team and, under his guidance, it has grown from a Christchurch presence to a national team with Partners in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and a total headcount of 19 people.
As well as building his own legal career, Andrew is known for his ability to teach and mentor newly graduated lawyers and ultimately bring them through the ranks at Lane Neave.
In announcing Andrew’s retirement from Lane Neave, Board Chair Dr Thérèse Arseneau paid tribute to his long and stellar career at the firm.
“Andrew’s retirement from Lane Neave marks a real sea-change for the firm,” she said.
“Andrew has been a leader at the firm for several decades and Managing Partner for nine years. He has a wonderful reputation for technical expertise and commercial acumen.
“He feels the time is right for him, his family, and the firm to move on to the next stage in his career.”
From 1 July 2026, Andrew will practice as an employment law barrister, and he will take on more governance roles.
Thérèse also confirmed that senior Litigation Partner Ben Russell would take on the position of Managing Partner, effective 1 July 2026, and that Partner Nicola Cuervo would take on the leadership of the Christchurch Employment team from that date.
“The Lane Neave Partners are confident the firm is strongly positioned for the future with the appointments of Ben and Nicola. They will each bring a new and different approach to their roles which is exciting for the firm and the Employment Law team,” said Thérèse.
