After very careful consideration, Robert Bycroft has made a career move he sees as eminently positive. After 28 years experience with Chapman Tripp, he has joined Tompkins Wake as Special Counsel.
Chapman Tripp is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious law firms, and as a commercial lawyer with a strong record across multiple sectors and industries, Robert was always going to weigh up his next move carefully. On the other hand, Tompkins Wake CEO Richard Rowley knew he needed to attract a new breed of lawyer to Hamilton in order to satisfy demand from the high performing Waikato businesses he has spoken with.
Robert says, “I am excited about being part of a new regional vision for a highly regarded provincial law firm and the opportunities I have to contribute to that vision.”
Robert’s recruitment to the Waikato is undoubtedly positive for businesses in the wider region that require specialist and experienced commercial legal advice. Richard Rowley comments, “Robert’s level of experience in commercial law, especially on national and international projects means we are delighted he has joined our team. If you are in business in the Waikato Region and need expert legal advice about any aspect of your business, the options locally have just got a whole lot better.”
Robert sees considerable opportunity to add value to the Waikato’s business community. “I’ve been fortunate to work with many clients over the years, across a large number of industries. Naturally that has included acting for provincial clients. I am both surprised and impressed with the clients and level of work that Tompkins Wake is involved with.”
The industries Robert has specialised in over the years include petroleum exploration, energy and natural resources, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, software and infrastructure; a list many of the central north island’s largest organisations will read with interest.
Some of the projects Robert has been involved in include advising Fletcher Challenge for the New Zealand aspects of the $2.5billion sale to Methanex of the Synfuel plant, and advising the shareholders of Marshal Software on the sale of their company to a US NASDAQ listed company. He has advised major system providers including Microsoft Corporation, EDS Corporation (who are now Datacom) and gen-i on matters such as tenders, the implementation of systems and provision of outsourcing services.; He has worked with Mighty River Power on aspects of the development of the Mokai Geothermal field.
With an already-established network of locally-connected clients, Robert knows it won’t take long to settle into professional life in the Waikato.
“I’m looking forward to the next phase of my career; putting all of the experience I have gained nationally and internationally to good use in a region that is one of the powerhouses of the New Zealand economy.”
Richard Rowley ends the conversation by saying, “It has taken us several months to find the right person to add to our team. Who would have thought we could secure such a senior lawyer into Hamilton just three years after we threatened to sue the rest of the Country for the defamation of Hamilton.”