Annie Tavalea

Annie practises in all areas of family law and has a particular interest in Family Court litigation. Based in Central Auckland, she works across all Courts in the greater Auckland area, and accepts instructions out of Auckland as well. 

Annie is known for her straight-forward yet empathic approach. She cares about her clients and takes time to listen to them and to understand what they want and need. She provides pragmatic and realistic advice, and aims to help people navigate the legal system during very stressful times in their lives. Annie has a proven history of obtaining excellent results for her clients both in Court and in alternative dispute resolution. 

Annie began her legal career working in Community Law in both South and Central Auckland. Since 2020 she has worked exclusively in family law after joining a busy family law team at a central Auckland law firm. She joined the independent bar in early 2023, initially employed as a junior barrister, before joining Bastion Chambers as a barrister sole. 

Annie accepts private instructions and some instructions on legal aid. She is a lead legal aid provider for care of children, family violence, Oranga Tamariki and adoption matters. 

Areas of Practise

  • Care of children 
  • Family violence
  • Relationship property (including contracting out agreements and post-separation agreements)
  • Spousal maintenance 
  • Oranga Tamariki
  • Adoption
  • Child support 

Professional Memberships

  • Family Law Section
  • New Zealand Bar Association
  • Auckland Women’s Lawyers Association 

Qualifications / Work History

  • BA/LLB  (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws), University of Auckland, 2015
  • Admitted as Barister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, 2017

 

Contact me

Email: annie@bastionchambers.co.nz
Mobile: 022 432 6318

 

Employed barrister – Alex Sims

Alex Sims is a Junior Barrister employed by Annie Tavalea. She represents clients with a high degree of expertise and care across all the Family Courts in the greater Auckland area.

Alex has previously worked at a top tier law firm in Auckland, as well as at Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children). She has a wealth of knowledge in family law matters particularly the areas relating to children.

Alex is a member of the Auckland Women Lawyer’s Association and the New Zealand Law Society Family Law Section.

Email: alex@bastionchambers.co.nz
Mobile: 027 506 6938