Michael Kirkland - partner

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Contact details

Direct Phone: +64 3 963 1455
Mobile: 021 0285 1682
E-mail: jmk@saunders.co.nz
Assistant: Rosemary Sisson

Profile

After many years as a partner in a Christchurch law firm, Michael chose to live with his family in France in 2002, where he attended the University of Marseille and his children attended College Mignet. On his return, he soon accepted a partnership at Saunders & Co. He quickly assimilated into that role and his loyal client base followed him.

Michael is a keen sportsman having played representative cricket and rugby, and now enjoying tennis and golf.

He is on numerous charitable trust boards and in his specialty of adoption, his advice is nationally sought.  Michael has been counsel involved in often cited Court of Appeal decisions.

What Michael's clients say

"My relationship with Michael Kirkland is one that goes well beyond a client/lawyer type, because he has taken such a personal interest in me and my family's welfare.  This relationship started in an unusual manner.  I met him in a case I was drawn into beyond my control many years ago when he was on the opposite side.  Michael did a great job for his client - to my detriment, and upon it's conclusion, he came to me and said that he was sorry that the case went against me, and if I ever needed his help, he would gladly assist.  This was such a generous gesture, that from that time on, I made a mental note to contact him if I ever needed to.  Some many years later, I took up his offer and called him to help me resolve some legal issues, and a rapport commenced ever since to the point that we have become firm friends.

Although he specialises in litigation, Michael does more than that.  He is always ready to give advice on legal or financial matters - both in my personal and business affairs.  He takes matters very personally, and extends himself well beyond normal working hours: I know this because he would not hesitate to call me at any time of the day or night, and on weekends - even to the point of tracking me down when I am overseas if he felt it imperative to discuss important issues.  In return, I know that I can call him at any time too, and whenever I find myself passing through Christchurch, he offers his cottage for the night.

The fact that Michael is an excellent lawyer goes without saying.  He is a true professional and his dedication is impressive.  A feature of his preparation is that it is always backed up by thorough legal research, and at the same time uses easy to understand layman terms by adopting logical analogies to explain his point.  Michael is also very willing to call on his colleagues at Saunders & Co who have their own expertise in both law and life experience, to assist in legal interpretations.  This has resulted in other disciplines in the firm undertaking tasks for my business interests and me.

In essence, if anybody is in need of an excellent dedicated lawyer, and one who is also prepared to become personally involved in their legal affairs, I would recommend Michael Kirkland and his law firm Saunders & Co."

Fred van Brandenburg - Principal
Architects van Brandenburg, LAKE HAYES QUEENSTOWN

"During our first dealings with Michael Kirkland of Saunders & Co, in 1994, he gave us some sound advice relating to design responsibility involved with a construction contract which saved us a considerable sum of money. Since then Michael has assisted us with all legal issues associated with my business and personal affairs.  It is always pleasant to deal with Michael and the staff at Saunders & Co and, as well as the legal advice, I value Michael's opinions on more general business matters based on his long experience."

Peter Davies - Director
Dawn Group,  CHRISTCHURCH

"We have now been a client of Michael Kirkland and Saunders & Co since 2002.  During this time our business has enjoyed good growth periods and more recently had to retrench as the current recession has made trading difficult.  We employ over 100 people, running a garment manufacturing unit, a wholesale distribution centre, and a retail business of 17 company owned stores.  We have used the professional advice of Saunders & Co regularly for contract support with leases, and less regularly for:

• management of personal affairs and the integration to the business
• bank documentation support
• purchase of property agreement negotiations
• employment agreement disputes

We enjoy working with Michael because we value his opinion, and the professional support his partners and consultants give him. We regularly use Peter Wood, a consultant of the firm, for support of lease negotiations.  Michael is fair and honest in his assessment of the situation, often giving advice on how to minimize a dispute. We have always found Michael compassionate to the situation of both parties, but prepared to ensure our interests are protected when negotiating.  Saunders & Co have always given good advice and been prepared to stand by that advice. We value our relationship with them. Without their support as our legal team, we would not have grown, or weathered the recession as well as we have."

Don Symon - Managing Director
Kauri Clothing - Home of Wild South Clothing,  CHRISTCHURCH

"Michael Kirkland of Saunders & Co has been providing legal advice and representation for my company for some time.  Michael has a number of attributes which collectively give me as a Director considerable comfort. These include:

• being available at short notice, in spite of the fact he is a very busy man
• his approachability
• his willingness to discuss issues with other specialist lawyers at Saunders & Co
• going beyond the conventional call of duty and applying his skills to problem solve
• a rapport with other lawyers

I am a lawyer myself, although not practising now. I have dealings with many lawyers in my business affairs and without doubt, Michael is as approachable and valuable as any in my experience. I am happy to endorse Michael to other colleagues, particularly in terms of his abilities as a strong advocate for clients' legal interests."

 Lindsay Singleton -  Company Director

AUCKLAND

Michael specialises in the following areas:

• Commercial Law
• Employment Law
• Family Law
• Litigation and Court
• Property Law
• Relationship Property
• Trusts
• Wills & Estates