our team
“We’re a people business, we’re often working with people in some of the most trying times of their lives, having a compassionate, intelligent and mindful team is essential to delivering for our clients”
James skinner, DIRECTOR
JAMES SKINNER
Director, LLB / BA, AAMINZ
021 912 010 or 09 212 9333
james@skinnerslaw.com
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James is an experienced civil litigator who has represented a wide range of clients, from individuals to companies and councils across New Zealand. He’s acted in disputes regarding leaky buildings and many other types of construction cases, trusts/estates, commercial, company, property, insolvency/debt recovery, employment, sports appeals, driving offences and some criminal charges. During this time he’s helped out people from each side of the coin – building contractors and homeowners, employers and employees, creditors and debtors, suppliers and customers, landlords and tenants, as well as business owners and sports professionals.
James set up Skinners Law after leaving one of New Zealand’s premier litigation firms in the CBD. He loves working with his clients on the North Shore – where he was born and bred – and is strongly involved with the wider North Shore community. If you’re looking for a competent and friendly lawyer who explains things clearly and simply, will support you at all stages of your case and is very good at what he does, you’ll love working with James.
James has extensive mediation experience. Utilising that experience and his people skills, James also offers his services as an independent mediator to parties involved in disputes throughout New Zealand. James is an associate member of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand and is passionate about alternative dispute resolution. James has a separate website jamesskinner.co.nz where you can find out more about the mediation services he offers.
RUTH SKINNER
Director, LLB (Hons) / BA
021 906 425 or 09 212 5279
ruth@skinnerslaw.com
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Ruth brings considerable experience in business-related matters to Skinners Law, having previously practised as a commercial lawyer for nearly ten years before having children.
She began her career in Christchurch with one of the South Island’s most prominent firms before settling on the North Shore of Auckland and becoming a Senior Associate at a specialist commercial and property law firm. Throughout her career, Ruth has reviewed, drafted and advised on a wide variety of contracts for business owners, including agreements for sale and purchase, bank documents, leases, franchising, licensing, distribution agreements and more. With this experience in her back pocket, Ruth is keenly attuned to the type of clauses that often create problems for parties.
Ruth is a people person with a friendly, unassuming manner. Her eye for detail, analytical skills and way with words hold her in good stead to advise clients on any disputes they may have.
ERU DAVIES
Associate, LLB / BA
021 354 041 or 09 212 5278
eru@skinnerslaw.com
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Eru is an experienced litigator, specialising in construction, employment, and debt recovery. He has a strong litigation background, coming to us with experience in both large and boutique law firms and is adept at helping our clients navigate complex legal disputes.
Eru is a strategic thinker and is committed to working closely with our clients to develop effective strategies to achieve their goals. Whether through negotiation, mediation or litigation, Eru is always focused on achieving the best outcome for our clients.
What sets Eru apart is his ability to blend professionalism with a personable approach. He prioritises building strong relationships with our clients based on trust, open communication, and empathy. He understands that legal matters can be daunting, and he ensures our clients that they feel supported and understood throughout the legal process.
GUS MOWAT
Solicitor, LLB
021 505 290 or 09 217 2360
gus@skinnerslaw.com
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Gus joined Skinners Law in March 2023, having grown up on a farm in North Canterbury and completing his studies at Canterbury University. Since starting his career as a lawyer, he has been exposed to all aspects of a client file including information gathering, discovery, settlement discussions and attending Court. Gus has a strong interest in commercial and employment litigation and being a real “people person” he enjoys the experience of meeting new clients and working with them, experts and third parties to resolve a dispute.
Outside of work Gus has a strong interest in sport, staying involved year-round by playing Rugby and Cricket for local North Shore clubs. This competitive streak is consistent with his character and rubs off on his work, with Gus giving his all to any task he is set.
ISLA BEAZLEY
Law Clerk, LLB (Hons) / BA
021 194 6273 or 09 217 8375
isla@skinnerslaw.com
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Isla is our new graduate and joined Skinners Law in July 2024 after completing her LLB(Hons) / BA (Psychology) at the University of Auckland.
Being a lateral thinker and with an inquisitive nature, Isla is interested in understanding the human psychology and the strategies behind our litigation cases. Isla is personable and compassionate and understands the role we play in supporting clients through the complex litigation process. Isla has a strong interest in corporate, estate and trust disputes and is committed to delivering the best outcome for Skinners Law clients.
Outside of work Isla loves exploring new cafes and restaurants and when the suns out, she’ll be at the beach.
