Ask a lawyer. Q&A with Kristy Rusher from Port Hills Law
Christchurch lawyer-of-all-trades Kristy Rusher would tell you the first step to being protected is staying informed. She takes the stand in conversation with Metropol to talk about becoming her own boss, what to look for in a lawyer, and why different cases require different tactics.
Kristy, you’ve been in the industry handling cases for more than 20 years! How did you come to own a firm, and what’s your mission?
I’ve been fortunate to work in a number of areas of law in that time, and this was included the opportunity to work in all sorts of places including Wānaka, Queenstown, Christchurch, Invercargill and Nelson. I’ve also spent time travelling and completing training overseas. It was the right time to step into practice ownership as it was time to return to Christchurch.
What drives you?
The desire to provide good sound legal advice to clients and to help them get the best out of the change they are going through, whether its changing partners, houses, businesses or making plans to hand the legacy they have created over to the next generation. We aim to help clients plan for the unexpected so they can focus on what is the most important in their life without the worry or distraction of fear that something will go wrong.
What three things should I look for in a lawyer?
Expertise. Plain English advice. Great listening skills and the ability to connect, because if you are understood by your lawyer, then you will get the best outcome no matter the challenges you face in the future.
Across each of the legal services you help with, how are different cases managed?
The road for one client might not be the same for another so it is not a case of a one-size-fits-all solution, it is a case of applying our expertise to achieve the best possible outcome. Advice is unique to the person’s circumstances. Some may want the work to be completed without any indepth chit chat whilst others may need to have a good chat to get to the bottom of things. At Port Hills Law, we work with whichever style suits the person.
What’s the biggest legal myth?
That you can wait to create a power of attorney or a will until you ‘really need one’. Having a will means that your wishes can be carried out and it avoids a mess for the family and friends you are leaving behind. We recommend arranging a will as soon as you can, particularly if you have been recently married, had a new child or grandchild, or have bought or sold a house. There are a number of considerations that Port Hills Law can guide you through. It’s useful to review your will every three years as the pace of modern life means that houses, people and circumstances are changing quicker than ever.
Port Hills Law has an office in Cashmere and Nelson, with online appointments available. Book with Kristy on 03 332 1385 or email hello@porthillslaw.co.nz.
