Our People

Debbie Bryan-Lamb | Karen Poff | Andrew Ward | Jonathon Amtmann

Teena Malik | Nicola McLeish | Our Support Staff

M: 021 466 962

P: 03 218 2833

Debbie Bryan-Lamb

Partner/Mediator
L.L.B., B.Com (Management), PGDip(Ch.Adv),
G.Dip (Business Studies), Disputes Resolution AAMINZ (FDR)

As a proud Southerner Debbie is an experienced family law specialist, litigator and mediator. Debbie’s honest and reliable advice to clients and her personable pragmatic approach to matters, ensures clients are kept well informed and supported throughout the legal process.

Debbie joined the firm in 2000. Debbie has a particular interest in separation and division of relationship property matters, is Lawyer for Child and Lawyer for Subject Person, AMINZ (Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of NZ Inc) credentialed Associate Member, Fairway Resolution Ltd Mediator/Provider, Voice of Child Specialist and an accredited member of NZ Law Society’s Panel of Mediators as a Family Specialist. Debbie has a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Dispute Resolution) and is an experienced mediator renowned for helping parties reach resolution in all kinds of disputes both internationally/nationally. As a “people person” Debbie has extensive experience in working collaboratively with clients from all walks of life, providing strong advocacy for her clients who value her ability to adapt to her client’s individual needs.

Debbie is Past Chair and current Secretary of LANZ (Law Alliance NZ Ltd) having previously served as a Board Director since 2010, Past Chair of Lighthouse Southland Inc, Chair of Southland Community Law Centre and on the governance team of Disability Resource Centre.

Outside of the office Debbie and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends, being avid travellers, touring on their motor bikes, enjoying outdoor living in sunny Central Otago, walking and pottering in the garden.

Areas of Speciality:

Family Law
Separation and Relationship Property
Care of Children Act/Domestic Violence Act and Protection of Personal Property Rights Act
Voice of Child Specialist
Buying and selling property
Elder Law/Retirement Village
Small Business advice
Dispute resolution
Employment Advice
Mediation

Karen Poff

Partner
L.L.B. B.A (Political Studies)

Karen enjoys variety and has experience in most legal areas. Her current practice is made up of a large mix of individual and business clients. She particularly enjoys assisting clients with all types of property, commercial and trust matters as well as succession and asset protection advice, wills and estate administration. Karen prides herself in providing practical solution focussed advice while assisting her clients to achieve outcomes that help ensure their futures are secured.

Originally from Dunedin, Karen joined the firm in 2001 after attending Otago University and became a partner in 2008. Karen is passionate about seeing our Southland province continue to thrive and also enjoys giving back to the community through her current roles as Board Chair of Stadium Southland Limited and as both a member and officer of the Rotary Club of Invercargill Incorporated.

Outside of the professional environment, Karen is a keen netball fan and spectator and also enjoys reading, keeping fit and spending quality time with her husband and two school aged daughters – getting involved and cheering them on as often as she can with their chosen sports and activities.

Legal Areas of Focus

Small and large business advice (agribusiness and commercial and start ups)
Buying and Selling Property – residential, rural and commercial both land and businesses
Commercial and rural leases
Subdivisions
Refinances
Succession Advice and Asset Protection
Trusts
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Wills
Employment Agreements
Liquor Licensing
Estate Administration

M: 021 567 157

P: 03 218 2833

E: karen@wardadams.nz

M: 021 558 201

P: 03 218 2833

E: andrew@wardadams.nz

Andrew Ward

Partner
L.L.B., B.A.

Andrew is a born and bred Southlander and a 4th generation lawyer. He has been with the firm since 2011.

His work is varied and includes almost all areas of legal practice. In his early days Andrew worked predominantly with his late father with a focus on litigation and disputes which he says gave him a great background for moving into other areas of law. He has previously been a volunteer at the Southland Community Law Centre which was a great way to engage with the community.

Andrew’s current practice includes advising many local businesses and he has a particular interest in alcohol licensing and gambling law. He currently serves as board member of the ILT Foundation. He is also the convenor of the Southland Standards Committee.

Married to Kasey, they have three children. Outside the office, he is a keen golfer and regularly plays at the Invercargill Golf Club. He also enjoys all sports, particularly football. He is an ardent supporter of Arsenal.

If you are looking for friendly and professional advice, contact Andrew.

Jonathon Amtmann

Associate
L.L.B., B.Com (Management)

Jonathon completed his Law and Commerce degrees at the University of Canterbury in 2017 and was admitted to the Bar in 2018. He joined our firm in 2019, bringing with him a broad foundation of experience gained through his time at the Southland Community Law Centre and volunteer work with the Community Law Centre in Canterbury.

Jonathon initially assisted clients with family law matters, particularly those involving care of children and family violence issues. His practice has since developed to focus predominantly on employment law, relationship property, dispute resolution, conveyancing, and estate administration and advice along with other private client matters. Jonathon’s broad knowledge and experience across a range of legal areas allow him to take a well-rounded, practical approach to the matters he is involved in.

He is also a current board member of Lighthouse Southland.

Having lived in several countries while growing up, Jonathon values the different perspectives and experiences his clients bring. He is approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.

Outside of the office, Jonathon enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors — particularly mountain biking, hiking, and discovering new walking trails.

M: 022 509 1200

P: 03 218 2833

E: jono@wardadams.nz

M:0226 127 350

P: 03 218 2833

E: teena@wardadams.nz

Teena Malik

Staff Solicitor

L.L.B., B.A. (Eng. Hons.), M.B.A. (HR)

P.G.Dip (Business Enterprise)

Teena joined our Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb team in January 2024 having graduated from Otago University and admitted to the bar in 2023. Teena provides legal advice and assistance for our family law team advising clients in all aspects of family matters including shared care arrangements, family violence, separation and division of relationship property and dissolution of marriage. Teena also provides weekly voluntary assistance to the Southland Community Law Centre.

Outside of work Teena enjoys travel, listening to music and trying different cuisines with friends and family.

Areas of Speciality:

Family Law
Care of Children Act/ Domestic Violence Act
Separation and Relationship Property

Emily McCrostie

Staff Solicitor

L.L.B., B.A (Sociology)

Born and raised in Southland, Emily grew up on a sheep farm. She completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Otago in 2024 and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2025. Emily joined the Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb team in May 2026.

Emily’s areas of interest include family law, separation and relationship property, and dispute resolution. She enjoys working alongside clients to provide practical advice, support and guidance. Emily also volunteers her time at the Southland Community Law Centre, providing legal assistance to members of the community.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys getting outdoors, spending time with family, trying new recipes and taking her dog for walks.

M: 027 951 7350

E: emily@wardadams.nz

M:022 037 1917

E: hannah@wardadams.nz

Hannah McShane

Staff Solicitor

L.L.B., B.A (Politics)

Originally from Wellington, Hannah moved south to study at the University of Otago before joining the team at Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb in February 2026. Having recently been admitted to the Bar, she is developing her legal practice under the guidance of Karen and Andrew, drawing on their extensive knowledge and experience.

Hannah enjoys the variety of legal work at Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb, her areas of particular interest include property transactions, commercial arrangements, trusts, succession planning and estate matters.

Hannah is approachable, organised and focused on making legal matters easier to understand. As a new member of the profession, she appreciates the importance of explaining complex legal concepts in clear, plain language. She takes the time to listen to her clients, understand what matters most to them and provide advice that is practical and specific to their individual needs and circumstances.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys running, playing netball and making the most of the incredible outdoors the South has to offer, by exploring the local walking and hiking tracks.

Legal Areas of Focus

Buying and selling residential, rural and commercial property
Commercial and rural leasing
Business purchases, sales and general commercial advice
Advice for start-ups and established businesses
Financing and refinancing
Trust establishment, administration and review
Succession planning and asset protection
Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney
Estate administration
Employment agreements

Nicola McLeish

Practice Manager
Legal Executive Cert, Dip in Business Management

Nicola has worked for Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb since 1981 when she started as our Office Junior. Over the years Nicola has held various other positions, gaining valuable knowledge of how the firm works before becoming the firm’s Practice Manager some years ago. Nicola works closely with the Partners and is involved in all aspects of the businesses management and is responsible for all aspects of the firms staff and office management.

We at Ward Adams Bryan-Lamb consider our client care extremely important. If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Nicola.