 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
{ expertise }
We are a medium sized commercial focused law firm based in Christchurch. We practice in a range of industries and have a broad and expanding base of clients.
What many firms proclaim as core values, such as integrity, knowledge, honesty, consistency and expertise, we at MDS Law consider an implicit expectation in any client relationship. Our point of differentiation from other firms is embodied in our philosophy {embrace thinking}.
What does {embrace thinking} mean?
{embrace thinking} incorporates a creative and pragmatic problem solving approach to our clients issues. We assess clients’ problems and create solutions that allow the client to move forward – a solution based on what the client can do to achieve its objectives, not what it can’t. Our approach is also team focussed. On an internal level we leverage off the expertise and skills of all members in the firm to provide creative, timely, cost effective solutions. We also adopt a team approach with our clients ensuring responsibilities and timetables are clearly understood by everyone.
How do we work?
We assign the most suitable partner to manage the client relationship and the transaction. That partner is in turn supported by experienced associates, solicitors and legal executives. Where the specialised experience of other partners would add value, those partners become involved in the transaction as required, however the original partner will supervise to ensure continuity and quality.
Our expertise includes:
A key area of focus for the firm is corporate and commercial law. Our partners and staff have the expertise to advise all clients in the following matters:
Commercial Law
- Advising on share and asset acquisitions and dispositions, restructuring, mergers, amalgamations, buyouts and earn outs, private equity investments and venture capital investment, conducting and reporting on due diligence investigations, advising on governance matters, compliance issues and constitutional matters.
- Advising on compliance with Securities Act 1978 and Securities Regulations 1983 including drafting prospectuses, shareholder matters, investment statements, information memorandums, associated documentation and undertaking verification.
- Advising on all aspects of intellectual property law including trade mark registrations, oppositions and licensing, copyright law, technology acquisitions, dispositions and licensing.
Property Law
- Advising on and documenting acquisition, disposition, leasing and redevelopment of commercial properties including ownership structures, financing, syndicated investments, joint venture and due diligence.
- Advising on and documenting residential subdivisions and developments.
Trust Law
- Advising on trusts and estate planning, asset protection and formation, administration of trusts (general, charitable, trading or special purpose) and acting as professional trustees
Tax Law
- We advise on tax effective structuring/restructuring of business entities and investments including companies, joint ventures, general and limited partnerships and trusts.
- Tax effective structuring of transactions including land acquistion and disposition, land development, the acquisition and disposition of assets and inbound and outbound investments or transactions.
- Advising on tax implications of overseas investment in New Zealand.
- Advising on tax residence status including when a person/entity becomes tax resident in New Zealand or looses their New Zealand tax residence status.
- Advising on a broad range of income tax, GST and cross border tax issues.
Resource Management and Environmental Law
- Assisting clients with their resource consent applications and making submissions about the development proposals of others.
- Advising on land-use consents, coastal permits, water permits, (use/taking/damming/diverting), and discharge permits for releases to land, water or air.
- Representation at local authority hearings and at the Environment Court.
- Advising on environmental matters such as contaminated land, waste management, hazardous substances, foresty, climate change and carbon emissions, conservation and wildlife law, and pastoral leases