Personnel - Services

John Fitchett
Principal of the firm
Email: Contact Me

Qualifications LLB (Otago) 1969

John Fitchett is one of Nelson’s most experienced and most respected legal practitioners.
His practice is focused on commercial matters with concentration on commercial conveyancing and commercial litigation, together with fishing and admiralty work.
His view is that a good lawyer should try to have broad experience and he fears that the modern idea of specialisation within the law profession means younger practitioners sometimes fail to properly understand broader legal concepts.
He tries always to look at the most cost-effective end result. At all times he looks for creative solutions to resolve differences and tries to think outside the square – for his clients’ benefit.

Following education in Nelson, Christchurch, and at Otago University, John spent a year of OE and then joined the firm established by his late father, Ivan Fitchett.

John has the “old-fashioned” idea that lawyers owe something back to their community. That is shown in various ways, including serving two terms as a Nelson City Councillor in the 1970s (the youngest Councillor) and in 1990 procuring the Chief Post Office building for the Nelson City Council at a saving to the Council of about $2 million – but no profit for himself. (With a wry smile he comments that many people at the time thought him a fool for not taking a profit – or did not believe it.)
It was also to help the wider community that John arranged to buy the old Tarakohe Cement Company village near Pohara in Golden Bay, give the Hall and other community assets to Tasman District, and subdivide the houses and sell them off to the existing tenants at less than valuation. At least that project was profitable to John – but only because no-one else wanted to join in the venture.

John also believes lawyers need to get out of their offices to fully understand the practical difficulties faced by commercial clients.
John is actively involved in the Anglican Church. He is Chancellor of the Nelson Diocese and Chair of the Trust Board which controls the Church’s financial affairs.

In winter John goes skiing as much as possible. He is one of the three people who formed a Society in 2004 to “rescue” Rainbow ski-field: to achieve that they involved the community and (with four seasons completed) the project  has been successful.
In summer John’s spare time is spent at his Golden Bay holiday home.

John and his wife Kaye have three children – one at Victoria, one doing a Planning Masterate degree at Otago, and one finishing a Law/Finance degree at Otago.
John is the principal of a firm with two office solicitors and one legal executive, details of whom are set out below.

Nicola Grimes
Email:

Nicola is our family law specialist, dealing with matrimonial and relationship property, custody and access issues. As a wife and mother of a young family Nicola brings a caring understanding to her clients and her work.

After graduating from Otago University in 1989 Nicola joined Buddle Findlay in 1990. In 1993 she moved to Tripe, Mathews and Feist where she stayed for 7 years, before practising as a Barrister for 2 years. She has been with Rout Milner Fitchett  working part-time as a family lawyer and full time as a wife and mother. Nicola is Chair of the Board of Trustees of her children’s school and has no spare time for any hobbies – but she is a great cook and has a wonderful garden.

Shirley Taylor
Email: Contact Me

Shirley is a Registered Legal Executive who has been with Rout Milner Fitchett for 25 years. Her main areas of work are business and residential conveyancing including subdivisions and leases, estate administration, and preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney.

Shirley is married with 2 adult sons and enjoys the Nelson scene to the fullest, with boating, music, the arts and, of course, the local wineries and cafes all featuring in her off duty agenda. Shirley is currently the President of the Nelson Branch of the Legal Executive Institute and is also Nelson Branch Representative on the National Committee.

Craig Morice
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Craig moved to Nelson and joined Rout Milner Fitchett in March 2006 after completing a year in Auckland with Clendon Feeney, a boutique commercial law firm.
Craig has B.Com and LLB from the University of Canterbury and completed his Legal Professional Studies in 2004. He was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in December 2004.
While at University, Craig studied intellectual property law (including trade mark and copyright law) and other general commercial law papers. Craig also acts for several Nelson franchisees and is particularly interested in these areas of law.

Prior to becoming a solicitor, Craig spent 3 years teaching English in Japan and studying Japanese. He continues to study and speaks reasonably fluent Japanese. He is available to assist, not only Japanese clients, but all foreign clients with Immigration matters: as well as being available to help resolve problems in other legal areas.

Outside of the office, Craig enjoys Squash, Hockey, Sailing, Skiing and the odd round of Golf. He is a Trustee of the University of Canterbury Rowing Trust and a volunteer Rugby Referee.

Robert is our accountant and is responsible for the financial reporting in the firm. In addition to his financial responsibilities, Robert manages Rout Milner Fitchett Nominees Limited’s mortgage investments and prepares tax returns for a number of clients.
Robert joined Rout Milner Fitchett in 2003 from a contracting background and working as an accountant mainly in the tertiary education field. He is married with three children and combines his work at Rout Milner Fitchett with family duties.

Robert has been a member of the School of Chartered Accountants of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand since 1995.

Jocelyn McCubbin
Email: Contact Me

As Johns Personal Assistant for the past nineteen years, Jocelyn ensures that all his files are up to date and at hand when needed. She is also the behind - the - scenes magician who is able to locate just about anything that is missing or has gone astray around the office.

Helen is Nicola’s Personal Assistant and right hand woman. She also provides administrative assistance for the firm’s two legal executives.

Carol Robbins
Email: Contact Me

Carol is everyone’s personal assistant as well as being the first friendly face to greet you on your arrival at Rout Milner Fitchett. As well as her receptionist duties Carol is our cashier and accounts administrator.

Contact

Phone: 03 548 0064
Fax: 03 546 9107
Marble Arch Arcade, 167 Hardy Street, Nelson
P.O. Box 580, Nelson 7040
Website: www.rmf-law.co.nz  
Email: info@rmf-law.co.nz