The firm has been announced as a top four finalist for regional law firm of the year at the 2016 New Zealand Law Awards.
Dean & Associates was nominated for the award by an institutional client.
The finalists are selected from all law firms throughout the country.
The Awards “bring together over 550 industry leaders, recognising the star performers in the legal profession.” The Awards “recognise firms and in-house teams for their achievements. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at The Langham, Auckland on Thursday 17th November 2016.” NZ Law Awards
“We conducted a call for nominations for 5 weeks in June – July 2016 and received hundreds of nominations. This was followed by an intensive research period to verify the nominations and to ensure that those selected as finalists were the most deserving. As publisher of NZ Lawyer magazine, we have an unparalleled presence in the industry, making the nomination and research process enormously comprehensive.” NZ Law Awards
Partner Ben Coleman said “We are thrilled to be selected as a finalist for law firm of the year at the 2016 New Zealand Law Awards. We believe the selection endorses the work we do and the commitment we have to achieving our clients’ goals.”
“We suggest that it is also evidence that there are high quality professional services offered by the firm available in the resurgent and robust region of the Waitaki. Oamaru and the Waitaki’s economy is being revitalised; it is no longer a one trick pony supported by the primary industry sector. There is substantial growth in and diversification into the services, tourism, retail, hospitality, manufacturing and commercial sectors.”
“North Otago benefits from strong, refreshing and enterprising leadership at local government level; a number of positive and durable strategies are being introduced and facilitated to assist with growth. More and more people, businesses and institutions of the region are becoming industrious, ambitious and increasingly diligent. I believe this progressive attitude balances nicely with Oamaru’s quirky niche as a Victorian and Steam Punk town. We would like to think that the people, skill sets and resources of the firm are developing in response to the expanding requirements of the region.”
“Clients do not need to engage city firms to receive comprehensive and expert legal services; this selection proves that those services are available in the Waitaki. For lawyers, the advantages of practicing in a region such as the Waitaki are considerable. There is more client contact, greater diversification in work, you become an integral part of the community, there is a high degree of professional autonomy, the lifestyle is unbeatable and the industry experience is invaluable.”
“We would like to thank our loyal clients and dedicated staff for their trust in the firm which has resulted in our evolution toward this recognition. We are looking forward to the Awards night whatever the result.”