ABOUT US
PAUL COGHLAN
Paul studied science and law at Canterbury University and has been in practice since 1987. He has extensive experience in business/commercial law with a particular interest in intellectual property / licensing and franchising, and has also developed expertise in building contracts and subdivisions. Paul is a great sportsman, taking part in various social teams of netball and touch rugby over the years. He lives locally with his family and enjoys keeping fit, travelling and spending time with his friends and family.
NGAIRE SMITH
Ngaire graduated from Canterbury University and has been practising law since 1983. She was also admitted as a solicitor in England in 1990 where she worked for 6 years. Ngaire has a general practice but has particular expertise in conveyancing, commercial law, estate planning and administration and trusts. She has tutored at Canterbury University in commercial and company law. Ngaire enjoys spending her spare time with her family and friends, walking her dogs, reading and enjoying the great outdoors.
MARGARET-ANNE HILL
Margaret-Anne is a qualified registered legal executive, completing her studies at Christchurch Polytechnic in 1989. She has worked in the law for 22 years and is experienced in residential conveyancing, wills and has responsibility for the practice management and IT matters for the firm. Margaret-Anne is a keen student of Bikram yoga and enjoys cooking for and socialising with her friends and spending time with her family.
KAREN ANDERSON
Karen joined Coghlan Smith in 2007 and soon became indispensable as Paul’s assistant. She has recently completed the Property Law and Practice course as part of the Legal Executive Certificate, achieving at a high level throughout the year. Karen has 20 years experience, having only ever worked in law firms, starting as an office junior in Invercargill, then working in Queenstown before several years travelling and working overseas, returning to New Zealand and settling in Christchurch in 2003. Karen loves spending time with her two young sons exploring the Canterbury region, socialising with friends, walking and jogging and is currently undertaking renovations to her new home.