DLA Piper promotes Wendy Smith and Jacob Nutt to special counsel in New Zealand
2 July 2026, New Zealand – DLA Piper has promoted Wendy Smith and Jacob Nutt to special counsel in New Zealand, strengthening the firm’s capability across corporate governance, insurance, structured finance and banking.
Laura Scampion, Country Managing Partner for DLA Piper in New Zealand, said the promotions reflect the firm’s continued investment in senior lawyers who combine local market knowledge, sector experience and the reach of DLA Piper’s global platform.
“Wendy and Jacob bring senior capability in areas where clients are dealing with increasing complexity,” Laura said.
“Wendy is valued for her pragmatic governance and insurance sector advice, while Jacob brings deep technical strength across structured finance, securitisation and renewable energy financing. Their promotions reflect both the quality of their client work and the depth we are continuing to build in New Zealand.”
Working closely with clients as an extension of their team, Wendy Smith supports clients across corporate governance, structuring, transactions, compliance and law reform. She works with listed entities, government and statutory bodies, member-owned organisations and founder-led businesses. Wendy also advises participants across the insurance sector on strategic objectives, commercial arrangements and regulatory change, and assists global clients expanding into New Zealand, both within insurance and across a range of other sectors.
Jacob Nutt advises financial institutions, sponsors and corporates on complex structured finance, securitisation, banking and finance transactions in New Zealand and internationally. Recognised for his technical strength in structured finance and banking, Jacob has particular depth in renewable energy financing and green loans. Alongside his client work, Jacob actively contributes to access to justice and the strengthening of the rule of law through global pro bono partnerships, including traveling to Vanuatu to teach at the University of the South Pacific as part of the Pacific Island Teaching Programme.
Laura added that the appointments demonstrate the breadth of DLA Piper’s capability in New Zealand and the firm’s focus on building senior capability in areas where clients are facing increasing legal, commercial and regulatory complexity:
“Our clients need advisers who understand the market, can work across sectors and borders, and bring practical, commercially focused advice to complex matters,” she said. “Wendy and Jacob exemplify that approach.”
The appointments form part of five senior promotions in New Zealand, with Tayla McEntee, Liam Johannesson and Sundaresh Thangavelu promoted to senior associate from 1 July 2026.
