Lynda Kearns KC

Lynda has over 30 years of experience specialising in all aspects of family law.  Lynda is regarded as a leader in her field. She is regularly asked to provide expert advice on relationship property and trust-related issues. She continues to present seminars on these issues at most family law conferences.

Lynda is regarded as an effective and passionate advocate for her clients.  She is hardworking, dedicated, and organised. She achieves great results for her clients in a cost-effective manner.  

Lynda began practicing law in 1981.  She has represented family law clients in both Chapman Trip, Wellington, and Simpson Grierson, Auckland before joining the specialist family law firm Gubb & Partners as a partner in 1994.  After 9 years there, she commenced practice as a barrister sole in 2004.

Lynda has a particular interest in relationship property and trust litigation cases but her area of expertise encompasses all aspects of family law including the areas of practice listed below.

Lynda was appointed as King’s Counsel in June 2021.

Areas of Practice

  • Relationship property.  Division of property on separation and contracting out agreements
  • Trust property including acting for both trustees and beneficiaries, determining the inter-relationship between trust property and relationship property and providing expert advice to trustees

 

  • Estate matters including family protection and testamentary promises cases  
  • Spousal maintenance and child support  
  • Care arrangements for children both in New Zealand and overseas
  • Hague convention matters
  • International family law matters

Professional Memberships

  • Member of the New Zealand Bar Association
  • Member of the Family Law Section
  • Member of the Auckland Family Courts Association
  • Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)
  • Member of American Bar Association
  • Member of the IAFL (International Academy of Family Lawyers)

  • Member of NZLS Standards Committee
  • Member of International Academy for Family Lawyers
  • Member of Arbitrators’ and Mediators Institute of New Zealand Inc.
  • Past Chair Family Law Subcommittee of Auckland District Law Society

Qualifications / Work History

  • LLB (Hons) Victoria University
  • 1981 Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court  
  • 1981-1983 Staff solicitor at Chapman Tripp, Wellington
  • 1984-1985 Legal adviser to restaurant owner Tiddy Dols Eating House, London
  • 1985-1989 Senior staff solicitor at Simpson Grierson, Auckland
  • 1991-1994 Staff solicitor (part-time) at Pratt & Co, Takapuna
  • 1994-2003 Partner at Gubb & Partners, Solicitors, Auckland
  • 2003 to present self-employed Barrister at Bastion Chambers
  • 2021 appointed King’s Counsel

 

Contact Me

Phone: 09 377 4335

Email: ljkearns@bastionchambers.co.nz

LinkedIn: Lynda Kearns

My Assistant – Lavinia Botica

Phone: 09 377 4330

Email: lavinia@bastionchambers.co.nz

LinkedIn: Lavinia Botica – Registered Legal Executive – Bastion Chambers | LinkedIn