Consultant

Specialist in New Zealand property and commercial law.

John joined Lovegroves in March 2017. Prior to that, John was a partner at Chapman Tripp Sheffield Young, then he co-founded the law firm Ellis Gould where he was a partner for thirty years.

John specialises in negotiating, drafting and advising on acquisition and disposition of properties. His 40-plus years of experience are filled with successes in acting for a number of national and international chains.

He is also an experienced professional trustee and key adviser to high net worth clients in respect of their land and business acquisitions, and ongoing investment of Trust assets and business trading entities.

Areas of Expertise

  • Negotiating, drafting and advising on sale and purchase contracts
  • Construction contracts (including design and build) and leases, acquisition, development, financing and disposal of commercial, retail and industrial properties
  • Commercial contracts including joint ventures, partnership and franchise agreements
  • Property contracts, including construction, leases and easements
  • Due diligence on proposed investments, interpretation and enforcement of sale and purchase contracts and leases, landlord and tenant disputes
  • Advice to clients and trustees on business and land acquisitions and ongoing investment of Trust assets
  • Shareholder agreements and disputes / buy outs working closely when appropriate with experienced litigation barristers to achieve successful outcomes
  • Ongoing estate planning, trust structuring and administration of estates and trusts