PEOPLE - WELLINGTON

KIRSTEN TOWNSLEY - PRINCIPAL

Kirsten joined the Firm of Wilson & Co in 2001 from a previous position with the Official Assignee in Wellington. Kirsten became a principal at Wilson & Co in 2009 and specialises in commercial, banking, credit union and securities law, all aspects of land law (both residential and commercial) and drafting and advising on commercial agreements of all types. Kirsten has advised on numerous large corporate acquisitions of land and business assets.

Kirsten is married to Clark, and they have twin daughters Paige and Samantha. She loves the outdoors spending her free time mountain biking, cycling, swimming, surfing and training for half and full Ironman triathlon events.

Kirsten is based in our Wellington Office.

P: 04 473 7537 M: 021 283 1393 E: kirsten@wcmlegal.co.nz

MICHAEL BALE - PRINCIPAL

Michael Bale has been practising all aspects of business and commercial law, dispute resolution, franchising, and conveyancing law since 1995 at Wilson & Co (12 years) and at other Wellington based commercial legal practices. Michael is based in our Wellington and Greytown Offices. Michael’s strengths are in all aspects of business and commercial law and dispute resolution including franchising, leases, conveyancing and subdivision, and corporate advice on commercial matters.

Michael’s interests include gardening and mechanical work, especially old motorcycles, particularly if they have sidecars.

P: 04 473 7537 M: 021 509 296 E: michael@wcmlegal.co.nz

Jon Parker - Consultant

Jon comes to us from another Wellington legal firm where he spent over two decades as Senior Litigation Partner heading the Insurance and Dispute Resolution Team.  

Jon has specialised in insurance litigation for most of his professional career.  He has acted for many New Zealand insurers and also overseas insurers.  His speciality areas have been general and statutory liability, professional indemnity and disciplinary matters.  Apart from providing opinion work he has also been engaged in litigation for insurance companies at all levels of Courts in New Zealand as well as extensive experience resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution, particularly arbitration and mediation.

In addition to insurance he has extensive experience in dealing with estate claims, property disputes, lease disputes and construction disputes.  He is currently involved in several large claims against insurers involving earthquake damage in Christchurch.  He is a member of the New Zealand Insurance Law Association and also the Medico Legal Society.

P: 04 473 7537 E: jon.p@wcmlegal.co.nz

RUSSELL BUSBY - Solicitor

Russell has previously been a corporate and commercial solicitor at MinterEllisonRuddWatts in their Wellington office. More recently, he worked as a senior analyst at the Ministry of Primary Industries where he gained specialist knowledge in the forestry aspects of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Russell has an interest in trust law and conveyancing.

Russell grew up in Lower Hutt, and also has a strong rural background from farming sheep and beef in coastal South Wairarapa before transitioning to a legal career. Outside of work, Russell loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time with his partner and three school-aged children.

P: 04 473 7537 E: russell.b@wcmlegal.co.nz

CAITLIN WHELAN - SOLICITOR

Caitlin joined WCM Legal in March 2023 during her final year at Victoria University.

Caitlin enjoys a variety of work, primarily assisting Kirsten and Michael. Her experience to date includes conveyancing work, private matters including estate planning and relationship property, and commercial matters including leases and commercial agreements.

Prior to pursuing a legal career Caitlin worked in the travel industry and spent a number of years living overseas. In her downtime Caitlin can either be found running around the Wellington coast or relaxing with her head in a book.

P: 04 473 7537 E: caitlin.w@wcmlegal.co.nz