Paul is a Principal Lawyer at Ford Sumner, leading the firm’s Employment Law practice.
Paul has significant experience across both the public and private sectors. Paul is recognised for his deep specialisation in employment law and his ability to navigate complex workplace issues with clarity, pragmatism, and confidence.
Paul’s expertise spans collective bargaining, union engagement, workplace investigations, personal grievances, and employment litigation. He has appeared in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court, including on cases that have shaped the development of New Zealand employment law. Paul also advises on health and safety, immigration, and information law.
Known for his calm, strategic approach, Paul builds strong professional relationships grounded in integrity and respect. He is valued for his responsiveness, clear communication, and ability to quickly establish rapport with clients and stakeholders. Alongside his legal practice, he is an experienced trainer, having delivered programmes for managers, lawyers, and HR professionals.
Paul joined Ford Sumner for its commitment to high‑quality, personalised service and its collaborative, high‑performing team culture. He is passionate about partnering with clients who trust him to provide decisive, expert guidance on their most important employment matters.
Away from the office, Paul enjoys playing football, mountain biking, hiking and Wellington’s hospitality scene.
Specialising in dispute resolution, Jaesen’s also highly skilled in commercial disputes, insolvency and recovery law, and employment, construction, regulatory matters. He has helped companies restructure, and resolved performance management issues up to chief executive level. He’s an appointed as a trusted advisor to clients in the aviation, hospitality and education sectors.
An experienced litigator with expertise in civil litigation, Jaesen represents clients in the District Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal. He also participates in settlement conferences, negotiations, and mediations.
Jaesen’s an active member of both the New Zealand Credit & Finance Institute and the New Zealand Insolvency Special Interest Group. In 2015 he authored Lexis Nexis Practical Guidance – District Court Civil Litigation, a day-by-day guide for legal practitioners which he updates annually to ensure it is kept current.
Jaesen’s passion for rugby runs deep, reflected in his role as a Committee Member of Old Boys’ University RFC in Wellington. His dedication to the sport inspired Tradie Law’s sponsorship of the Wellington Lions, demonstrating his commitment to supporting local teams and their communities.
Outside the office and the rugby field, Jaesen finds balance in the open water. His love for ocean swimming sparked Ford Sumner’s ongoing partnership with the Ocean Swim Series—a highlight of the team’s calendar each year. Jaesen is a regular competitor during summer, steadily chasing his 3k swim goal, and proving that perseverance in the water is just as important as in the courtroom.
Professional Qualifications
- LLB (Victoria University of Wellington)
- BA (Hons) (Massey University)
- Holder of a current practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
Memberships
- Member New Zealand Law Society
- Volunteer at Wellington Law Centre
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Glen Sharah, Body Corp Chairman (former)