The Principals' Legal Service provides principals and nominated senior leaders of public or integrated, composite and secondary schools access to the legal assistance they need on management issues.
An annual school membership of the service can be used by up to three of the principal and senior leadership team.
All users of the service must be a member of a union that covers composite(area) or secondary schools, either NZEI Te Riu Roa, PPTA Te Wehengarua or SPANZ union.
The service will provide initial legal advice and assistance on management issues though McBride Davenport James. This will usually take the form of a 15-minute consult, plus a review of documents if necessary.
Management issues may include:
If the matter is unresolved after initial support has been provided the board/principal may choose to pursue the matter further through an insurance provider or via private arrangements. Advice can also be used in conjunction with or to complement advice from the New Zealand School Trustees Association.
Apply for MembershipThe Principals' Legal Service is provided by the Advisory Services Trust
McBride Davenport James employment law team is recognised as a New Zealand leader in this field. The team is led by Partners Paul McBride and Guido Ballara, and includes Senior Associate Frances Lear and Solicitors Saadi Radcliffe and Emma Rose Luxton. We work as a team to approach issues confronting our clients, and provide a very high level of expertise, service, and practical advice.
Direct dial: 04 801 5427
Mobile: 021 614 215
E-mail: paul@mdjlaw.co.nz
LLB (Victoria University of Wellington)
Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (1993)
Paul was admitted in 1993, after working as Judges Clerk for the (now) Employment Court for four years. Paul was employed by the Department of Labour for five years before entering private practice. Paul has specialised in employment law and ACC work (primarily for ACC itself) since being admitted. In practice, Paul works with many public organisations including Departments, Crown Entities, and other Boards including Health and Education Sector on employment and ACC related matters. He also has personal sector experience, having been on a school board of trustees.
Direct dial: 04 801 5427
Mobile: 021 782 891
E-mail: guido@mdjlaw.co.nz
LLB (Hons), Victoria University of Wellington (2002)
Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (2003)
Guido has worked as an employment lawyer for over 18 years, having specialised in employment law since 2003. Before joining the firm in 2005, Guido was a Solicitor in the employment team of Minter Ellison Rudd Watts in Wellington. Guido advises across all areas of employment law, represents clients at mediation and appears as counsel in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, in the District and High Courts, as well as in the appellate courts. Guido has also provided training and presented seminars to clients on employment law issues. He also has personal sector experience, having been on a school board of trustees.
Direct dial: 04 801 5427
Mobile: 021 237 7811
E-mail: frances@mdjlaw.co.nz
LLB, BA (Pols), Victoria University of Wellington (1999)
Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (December 1999)
Frances has extensive experience in providing practical and strategic advice in all employment law areas. Frances has specialised in employment law for 18 years. She joined McBride Davenport James in May 2014. Prior to that, she was in-house counsel for two public sector organisations: Inland Revenue and the Office of the Auditor-General. She also worked in private practice for a small employment law firm and for a national commercial law firm with a number of local government clients. Frances also has 4 years’ experience in policy and law reform work for the Ministry of Justice and New Zealand Army. She also has personal sector experience, having been on a school board of trustees.
