> Best NZ Law Roles Here
Global law firm DLA Piper is pleased to announce the promotion of corporate lawyers Pavanie (Pav)
Edirisuriya, Tom Barnes and Aoife O’Gorman to special counsel.
Pav and Tom have grown with DLA Piper, both joining as solicitors over a decade ago. Aoife joined in
early 2020 after working in major law firms across New Zealand, the UK, as well as her native country
Ireland.
Pav has extensive experience in corporate and commercial law and is an expert in the overseas
investment regime, regularly advising international clients looking to invest in New Zealand. She has
advised on a number of significant transactions, recently including advising Ingka Investments in
several large forestry investments in New Zealand.
“We are seeing a lot of activity in the overseas investment space currently,” says Pav, “particularly in
the renewable energy and forestry sectors. I am working closely with my clients to navigate changes to
the overseas investment regime and the unique challenges faced by investors in the renewables
sector.”
Pav is heavily involved in DLA Piper’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. She is a driving force in the
firm’s Heritage and Identity Project committee, promoting a workplace culture that is inclusive of all.
Pav is also a mentor for Head Start, a social mobility programme designed to break down barriers to
the legal profession faced by underrepresented groups.
Tom specialises in financial services and acts for a number of New Zealand’s leading institutions in the sector, advising on a diverse range of transactional and day-to-day legal matters. He is recognised for his technical expertise, industry knowledge and emphasis on delivering successful client outcomes.
Tom has worked closely with colleagues internationally to bring solutions such as TOKO to New
Zealand. TOKO is a digital asset creation engine designed to solve the inefficiencies of today's capital
markets by using the best of distributed ledger technology.
Tom says, “Over recent years we’ve seen a number of regulatory changes radically changing the legal
and commercial landscape. With the recent passage of the Conduct of Financial Institutions legislation we can only expect this to continue.”
Aoife joined DLA Pipers corporate team having previously specialised as a finance lawyer for over ten years. She has a depth of international experience having practised law across three commonwealth jurisdictions. Aoife advises both domestic and global clients, with extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), venture capital, private equity investments and corporate governance matters.
Her clients include Auckland Council, Bessemer Venture Partners, Waterlogic, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited and James Hardie.
“Constant change is the new normal and those who can adapt quickly will lead the way. I’m excited to
support clients in a range of matters across the corporate spectrum as they navigate the changes and
seize opportunities that naturally arise from an evolving landscape. I find this hugely satisfying – it’s
what I’m about.”
Aoife is a champion of pro bono legal work and in 2021 she was appointed as co-director of the New
Zealand pro bono practice. DLA Piper is one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services
globally, with a genuine commitment to giving back to the local community.
Managing partner of DLA Piper in New Zealand, Laura Scampion, says “Pav, Tom and Aoife are very
deserving of their promotions. The value and energy they bring to DLA Piper and our clients is
unmatched, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth as special counsel.”
About DLA Piper
DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising.
