Our People

John is the Principal of Sievwrights Law, managing our team here and acting for many companies, trusts, and private clients. John graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with an LLB in 1976, was admitted to the Bar in 1977, and has practiced as a Barrister and Solicitor ever since. John joined the Sievwrights firm in 1983, and practiced extensively in civil, commercial and criminal litigation (including jury trials) in the District Court, Family Court, High Court, Appeal Courts and other Tribunals.

John found the time in 1992 to establish the highly successful “Porters Pinot” vineyard – which he continues to manage and produce international quality wine at nearly 30 years later.

John’s specialist areas include:
- Residential, Commercial and Rural Property Transactions
- Family and Estate Litigation
- Business Acquisitions and Sales
- Civil and Commercial Court Disputes and Litigation
- Farming and Viticultural Business Advice

Bev graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 1987 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), has been in general practice since she was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1988 and is a former managing partner of another central Wellington law firm.

She is committed to providing clients with excellent service, practical solutions and assisting clients to achieve their goals.

Bev's specialist areas include:
- Elder law
- Trusts
- Wills
- Probates
- Estates
- Residential and commercial conveyancing (including leases)
- Relationship property

Jess began as the firm's Law Clerk in November 2021. Since then, she has graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in March 2023 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), completed her Professional Legal Studies Course in July, and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in October.

Jess works primarily in the areas of wills, enduring powers of attorney, and civil, employment and estate court disputes and litigation.

Karen is a Senior Registered Legal Executive with over 20 years experience working in law firms and a trustee company. She specialises in residential conveyancing including sales and purchases, first home buyers, refinancing and subdivisions. She is also able to assist you with enduring powers of attorneys and wills.

Karen enjoys developing and maintaining strong and friendly working relationships with her clients to ensure that they are supported and guided through their transactions so that their experiences are as stress free as possible.

Karen loves spending time with her family and friends, is a keen gardener and enjoys baking.

Viv is the Trust Accountant for Sievwrights Law and has been in this role for a number of years. She is part of the support team to the Legal Executives and to the Principal of the firm.

Vivienne works part time which allows her to be fully involved with her adult family and her teenage grandchildren. Vivienne has a passion for wool, is a spinner and weaver, and enjoys her book club.

Kaye is a Senior Registered Legal Executive with over 30 years experience working in law firms. Prior to that she worked in accountancy firms. She now specialises in estate administration, and throughout her career has worked in residential conveyancing, preparation of enduring powers of attorneys and wills.

Kaye is empathetic, maintaining a warm and friendly working relationship with her clients to ensure that they are supported and guided through a difficult time in their lives.

Kaye loves spending time with family and friends, is a keen gardener and enjoys motor-homing and e-biking.

April commenced as a part-time Law Clerk with Sievwrights Law in November 2023, assisting the team with administration, drafting and client care, having just completed her second year of a Bachelor of Laws conjoint with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Political Science and International Relations) through Victoria University of Wellington.