About Us

Libby Brown

LLB (Otago)

Libby is a specialised employment lawyer, with vast knowledge, expertise and experience in her field.

Raised in Hawke’s Bay, Libby returned to the region in 2005, and after ten years working for an employment law team, decided to develop a specialist employment law and litigation firm. She set up her own practice Brown & Bates in 2015, with fellow director and university cohort Jol Bates.

Contact

Phone: +64 (06) 651 1600
Email: libby@brownandbates.nz

Area of Expertise

Employment Law

Jol Bates

LLB (Otago)

If you’ve got a complex legal issue, Jol is your man. With more than 20 years experience in the legal world, he’s well-known for his employment law, civil and commercial litigation work. He deals with clients in Hawke’s Bay, throughout New Zealand and the globe.

Jol is a sought-after advocate who prides himself on having a customer-oriented approach.

Contact

Phone: +64 021 860 959
Email: jol@brownandbates.nz

Area of Expertise

Civil Litigation and Employment Law

Megan Inwood

LLB (Hons), BA (Victoria)

A Hawke’s Bay local, Megan was admitted to the bar in 2001 and has worked in the New Zealand Court of Appeal and Crown Law Office, as well a top tier law firm in Sydney, before returning to the Bay in 2014.

Having joined the firm in June 2022, Megan draws on over 20 years’ experience across a range of legal work and is now specialising in employment and civil litigation.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys playing with a community symphonic band, and relaxing with a good book.

Contact

Phone: +64 (06) 651 1600
Email: megan@brownandbates.nz

Area of Expertise

Civil Litigation and Employment Law

Karen Hunt

Legal Secretary/Office Manager

Karen is a Napier native, having travelled away overseas for some years, before returning home.

She has had numerous years’ experience working in law offices in the Napier area including the Crown Solicitor’s Office for the Hawke’s Bay / Gisborne regions and in the last 8 years has worked in the area of employment law.

Outside of work she enjoys exercising, a bit of gardening, listening to music and spending time with her family.

Contact

Level 1, 39 Tennyson Street
PO Box 59
Napier 4140
New Zealand

Phone: +64 (0)6 651 1600
Email: info@brownandbates.nz