Ford Sumner Announces Promotions Across Commercial and Construction Teams

Ford Sumner is pleased to announce the promotion of three team members, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and the depth of talent across its practice areas.

●    Fenella Smith has been promoted to Senior Lawyer 
●    Jordan Todd has been promoted to Senior Associate
●    Rebecca Richter has been promoted to Senior Associate

These promotions recognise the significant contributions each of these lawyers has made to the firm and to our clients. Rebecca, Jordan, and Fenella have each demonstrated the capability, judgement and professionalism that form the foundation of Ford Sumner’s reputation.

Fenella Smith – Senior Lawyer
Fenella is a valued member of Ford Sumner’s commercial team, advising clients on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including business and share sales, privacy compliance, terms of trade, and incorporated societies. She has growing expertise in property law, with a focus on commercial leasing and residential conveyancing, and also advises on private client matters such as wills, trusts, and enduring powers of attorney. Fenella is known for her considered, practical approach and her commitment to delivering timely, high-quality advice.

Jordan Todd – Senior Associate
Jordan is a key member of Ford Sumner’s commercial and corporate team, with particular expertise in commercial leasing and property matters. He advises on a wide range of leasing issues, including complex design and build projects, airport estate arrangements, and landlord-tenant disputes. His broader practice covers construction, company and trust matters, not-for-profit advisory, and general commercial contracting. Jordan regularly acts for government agencies, airports, and landlords with national portfolios, and his background in employment law allows him to provide integrated advice on transactions involving both commercial and employment considerations.

Rebecca Richter – Senior Associate
Rebecca is an experienced construction lawyer with a strong background advising clients in both commercial and residential sectors. She has extensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing construction projects and regularly supports clients throughout the project lifecycle. Her expertise includes contract drafting and negotiation, risk management, and dispute resolution, with particular experience in NZS, FIDIC, JCT, and NEC standard form contracts. Rebecca also assists clients in resolving complex disputes involving contract performance, delays, and claims.

These promotions reflect Ford Sumner’s commitment to fostering talent and delivering consistently high standards of service to clients across New Zealand.