Shane Rohde

+64 27 512 34 85
shane@laterallawyers.co.nz

Shane has 16 years of experience as a commercial lawyer, including 11 years in practice on his own account. As a business owner, he intimately understands the pressures faced by his commercial clients.

No stranger to the challenges life can throw at you, Shane prides himself on his ability to overcome adversity, empathy and ability to put himself in your shoes as a client. Once he finds out what you actually want, he will make it his mission to provide you with this. If of course this is completely unrealistic, he'll tell you that, too, and it will be the most valuable 'expensive' phone call you ever make.

Shane is currently studying his LLM at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Liam Cowley

+64 21 119 6390
liam@laterallawyers.co.nz

Lateral's newest Director's ability to provide elegant solutions to complex legal problems is matched only by his subtle yet svelte dress sense.

We are very proud of Liam's rapid ascension of the ranks since his debut in August 2018. He has worked hard to establish himself as a technically impressive lawyer, moving from head of the archiving division to our foremost legal mind: his legal DNA is all over the team's more complex transactions, and reflected by his growing palmarès.

In the endlessly shifting playing field that is commercial law, Liam likes to get onto the front foot and keep our commercial clients abreast of material developments in the law. He's no stranger to a legal gunfight either, and will roll up the sleeves of his Balenciaga dress shirt and bear arms for you, at your earliest convenience.

We are thrilled to have him on the team.

Michael Moughan

+64 21 433 021
michael@laterallawyers.co.nz

Michael has acted both for and against NZX listed companies involved in regulatory and commercial disputes; facilitated the close negotiation and drafting of agreements between Government and private entities; and settled a range of matters including inter-corporate disputes, a professional negligence claim against a national-services law firm, and corporate governance, relationship property, and employment related matters. Michael also acts, on occasion, as counsel in civil litigation and has appeared at all levels of appeal.

Prior to commencing private practice, Michael was based in Wellington and worked for boutique public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie under Stephen Franks (ex-Chair of Chapman Tripp) and Rob Ogilvie (ex-General Counsel of Telecom), before assisting a colleague to establish a successful civil litigation practice.

​​Michael studied law and philosophy at Victoria University of Wellington on a Premier Scholarship; placing in the top ten in national Scholarship examinations. In his spare time, Michael is a board member of the Devonport Business Association, and manages a portfolio of commercial, residential, and rural property for several trusts.

Michael is principal of Devon Lane – Barristers & Solicitors through which he provides commercial and general legal services with an emphasis on negotiation and dispute resolution. As Special Counsel for Lateral Lawyers, Michael primarily provides expert assistance on complex disputes.

Demeter Young

+64 21 0580 990
demeter@laterallawyers.co.nz

Coming from a family with a strong legal background, Demeter has always had ambitions of becoming a lawyer.

After studying at the University of Auckland and obtaining a Bachelor of Laws, Demeter has come to Lateral Lawyers with the goal of eventually incorporating a family law practice into Lateral Lawyers.

Admitted to the bar in September of this year, Demeter is already making an impact on our firm and our clients. She brings a client-focused approach to her work, with her ambition to excel in the legal world matched only by her genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients.

Mia Ware

+64 21 023 07981
mia@laterallawyers.co.nz

Mia has been making her mark at Lateral Lawyers as a dedicated and driven law clerk since 2021 while completing an LLB/BA degree at the University of Auckland.

With her passion for the law and a keen eye for detail, Mia has swiftly become an invaluable and dependable member of the Lateral lawyer's team. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence shines through her work.

As she continues to grow and thrive in both her professional and educational endeavours, Mia's future in the legal field is undeniably promising. With aspirations of becoming a commercial lawyer, she is committed to protecting clients' interests and empowering them with comprehensive legal options. Mia's vision is to help clients stay ahead of the game and navigate challenges with confidence.