Sharp Tudhope has long prided itself on offering a deep level of legal experience and knowledge, and some of its most recent appointments have taken the firm to a new level. These appointments bring a level of talent and skills that firmly future proof Sharp Tudhope for years ahead, providing a sound platform for the rapidly advancing, energetic young cohort of lawyers the firm has also recently appointed. Alesha Evetts, Josh Gear and James Hakaria are three of those newest personalities to underpin Sharp Tudhope’s growing team.
Alesha Evetts – Walking a fine line for family
Alesha Evetts’ experience and empathy mean she is a good choice for heading up Sharp Tudhope’s family law team. Since being admitted to the bar in 2009, Alesha’s main focus has been on this sensitive and essential aspect of law that plays such an important role in our community.
Having only been with Sharp Tudhope since earlier this year, she is working to build a cohesive, knowledgeable family law team and mentoring the talented young graduates drawn to the firm, with a particular focus on relationship property, trust and estate claims.
“There’s no denying it can be a difficult area to practice in. You have clients going through a tough time, you have to be empathetic but also professional and honest with them. But the reward is helping them find a pathway forward through that difficult time. It’s a period that will not last forever, although it can feel like it at the time.”
Part of the fine line she and her team walk often involves helping clients recognise the benefits of achieving a settlement through compromise and helping them understand that the value to them of resolving matters is usually more than just monetary.
“This is often the preferred pathway, helping clients understand that there is value in terms of money, time, stress, maintaining future family relationships and moving forward, of resolving matters by agreement as opposed to litigating a claim to obtain the best financial outcome. That of course is subject to the client fully understanding what their legal entitlements are, and there will always be those cases where the positions taken are so diametrically opposed that the only option is to litigate. In the family law sphere however – where the parties usually have to maintain some kind of relationship even after matters are at an end – trying to resolve matters through alternate dispute resolution is definitely the preferred option.”
While a smaller part of her work portfolio, Alesha also brings experience in PPPR, Care of Children, Family Violence and Adoption Act cases, all also requiring a sensitive touch.
Alesha is enjoying the tight knit camaraderie of Sharp Tudhope, along with the sense she can make a difference as she forms her high-quality family law team. When not working Alesha and her husband enjoy being outdoors and wine tasting, while also juggling the demands of their four children aged between 15 months and 13 years.
Joshua Gear – Bridging cultures a special skill
Bringing two cultures together to arrive at viable, equitable solutions to environmental and resource challenges is a special skill for a Bay of Plenty lawyer, and one Josh Gear manages with sensitivity and skill.
Josh returned to Sharp Tudhope this year after a decade spent working in private practice. He was drawn back by the exciting prospect of being part of a dynamic growing legal team that was broadening its diversity and coverage.
Josh’s skills and knowledge in environmental law, iwi and foreshore-resource management put him in the forefront of some of the region’s most challenging and often confronting legal encounters.
With strong tribal affiliations to Matapihi iwi as Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Josh enjoys working with Māori trust groups and their multiple owners, helping them navigate the many challenges development projects can bring to their whenua.
With many iwi engaged in the primary sector either farming, orcharding or in forestry, Josh’s work covers a vast expanse of the region and beyond. Increasingly iwi are becoming more attuned to the opportunities their land resource offers, and he is proud his work can help them unlock that potential for the betterment of their communities.
He acknowledges that as long as the Bay of Plenty continues to develop and grow challenges will arise where cultural values can clash with development demands.
“Being able to bring the different parties together around the table means more often than not we can deal with those differences.
“I have a sense that we are achieving better outcomes now than a decade ago. It is only a worst case scenario where a culturally significant area is compromised that no solution can be made.”
He is encouraged to see young Māori lawyers advancing through Sharp Tudhope’s ranks.
“We get a lot of support from the firm in our work and help in continuing to grow our work.”
James Hakaria – Applauding Tauranga’s growth opportunities
As Tauranga city enters an exciting development and growth phase, Sharp Tudhope’s newest partner James Hakaria is happy to be sharing that journey to a more dynamic, diversified city. Appointed partner only this year, James brings skills well suited to a city in a growth phase, with expertise in civil litigation, construction and employment matters. Along with that he brings skills in insolvency, helping affected parties come to some rational, realistic resolutions when businesses trip up.
“The real positive side of my work involves embarking on a journey with my successful clients through their business’s life, helping them get up and running, and then being there for advice and assistance as that business grows and expands – it’s not all doom and gloom!”
Another area he enjoys as a senior staffer at Sharp Tudhope is mentoring its growing cohort of young, highly capable lawyers, helping them find their feet professionally and encouraging them to develop their legal logic and “soft skills” relating to clients’ many different challenges.
“It is possible over the course of even just a year to see progress through some significant milestones, and that makes it even more rewarding.”
He is proud to have a role overseeing a firm that has not only expanded but has grown its diversity and depth in recent years, with a good mix of both young and older hands in the Sharp Tudhope crew ensuring there is plenty of collegial support and valued young energy.
“As a firm we have always been proud of contributing to the local community, and our focus remains on how we can keep that focus and help make Tauranga an even better place to live and do business, it is an exciting time.”
