Two Queenstown solicitors have been named Rising Stars by NZ Lawyer.
Michelle Needham, of Lane Neave, and Alice Balme, of Wynn Williams, were selected.
The award recognises "exceptional lawyers" who have demonstrated technical skills, shown leadership and a "true passion" for the legal profession.
Ms Needham is a commercial property lawyer, with a range of legal experience including property matters, succession planning, rural and residential conveyancing and assets sale and purchase. She has an interest in aviation law and is a member of the Aviation Law Association of New Zealand and Australia.
Ms Balme has led Wynn Williams’ Queenstown office since last April, and is a partner in the local government and environmental law team.
Before joining, she spent more than five years working for the Queenstown Lakes District Council, including as general counsel and, before that, four years as its legal manager.
Former Southlander Cameron Murphy, now a partner at AWS Legal, was also named a rising star.
Of the 11 lawyers named this year, five graduated from the University of Otago.
