Armstrong Barton Lawyers

Armstrong Barton Lawyers

Staff Profiles



Paul Coe – Partner

• LLB

Paul is one of the firm’s Senior Partners who has become familiar with many areas of law over his 32 year career.

Area of specialisation:
Paul assists his clients with all matters pertaining to Property Work both residential and rural. Additionally he assists with Trusts, Wills, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration. From a commercial perspective, Paul assists small and medium businesses with Commercial Property Transactions including Commercial Leasing.

Paul is liked for his approachable nature and is known for his professional yet practical manner.



Adrienne Gilbert

• Associate of NZILE
• Justice of the Peace (JP)

Wanganui born and bred, Adrienne is a registered Legal Executive and JP who continues to broaden her 17 year legal career.

Area of specialisation:
Adrienne deals predominantly with Property Sale / Purchase Agreements, she also assists her clients with all matters pertaining to, Estate Planning, Company Formations , Business Sales and Purchases and Family Trusts.

Adrienne is admired for her friendly and energetic approach whilst her efficiency and well honed skills are aimed to ensure a convenient and stress free experience for clients.



Peter Murray Hankins – Partner

• BA LLB

Peter is one of the firm’s Senior Partners and longest serving lawyer, having started at Armstrong Barton in 1961.

Area of specialisation:
Peter assists his clients with matters in respect of Trusts, Wills and Estate Administration.
Additionally Peter provides advice in respect of companies including Receiverships and Liquidations.

Peter has considerable experience in law and treasured by both clients and colleagues for his
helpful and caring approach. Email: Peter



Kathryn Crooks – Partner

• BA LLB (Hons.) - Victoria University
• District Inspector Mental Health
• Mediator

Kathryn is one of the firm’s Senior Partners and has covered many areas of law during her 24 year career.

Area of specialisation:
Kathryn assists her clients with all matters pertaining to Family Law which encompasses Parenting Orders, Contracting Out Agreements, Relationship Property, Estate Claims and more.

She is also a District Inspector for Mental Health, a mediator is regularly appointed by the court to represent children.

Kathryn is known for her fair, yet firm and tenacious approach and is widely respected for her knowledge and representation of children. Email: Kathryn



Beverley Pearce

• LLB
• Legal Aid Representative

Beverley is an experienced lawyer having previously worked at the Community Law Centre in Wellington.

Area of specialisation:
Beverley assists her clients with all matters pertaining to Family Law which encompasses Parenting Orders, matters with domestic violence, Relationship Property, Personal and Property Rights, Paternity and Child Support. Additionally she assists clients with Welfare and Property Orders as well as Employment Law through Employment Breakdowns and Obligations.

Beverley is admired for her commitment and caring of community and ever present social conscience, whilst her practical and matter-of-fact approach ensures support during stressful times.



Lance Rowe – Partner

• BA LLB - Victoria University
• Crown Prosecutor

Lance is one of the firm’s Senior Partners and has had an extensive litigation practice his 20 year career in the fields of Criminal, Civil and Employment Law.

Area of specialisation:
Lance is the Crown Solicitor for Wanganui and is chiefly engaged in Criminal Prosecution work. He continues to conduct civil and employment areas.



Harry Mallalieu – Partner

• LLB - Victoria University
• Diploma in Business Studies (Dispute Resolution)
• Crown Prosecutor

Harry is one of the firm’s Partners and has spent his entire working life in law enforcement ensuring a contribution to the broader community.

Area of specialisation:
Harry is a Crown Prosecutor.



Joanna (Jo) Woodcock

• LLB - Victoria University
• Junior Prosecutor

Jo is the firm’s junior prosecutor, supporting civil litigation and family law when time permits. Having started her career as a court registrar, Jo’s interest in law was such that she went on to complete a LLB at Victoria University.

Area of specialisation:
Jo assists the Crown Solicitor, Lance Rowe.

Jo is admired for her passion, enthusiasm and commitment to seeing things through.



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