Leading with purpose
We understand that when you come to us, it’s no small matter. These are often times of major life decisions and we’ll be with you each step of the way. Whatever your needs, know you are in safe hands with our team and exemplary track record.
We have a dedicated team of lawyers and support staff who are here to help you.
Jocelyn Cooney QSM - Consultant
Jocelyn has been practising as a barrister and solicitor for more than 50 years and has strong ties to Cambridge having completed her high school education here.
After leaving to practice law in Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua, she (and her husband David) returned to Cambridge in 1982 and raised their family here.
Jocelyn’s commitment to the community is strong. She represents a significant number of community organisations on a pro-bono basis. She was the Coroner for the Cambridge District from 1996 to 2007. In 2018 she received a Queen’s Service Medal for Services to the Community. Over the years Jocelyn has focused on family law, whilst remaining committed to the continual development of the firm. Jocelyn now consults to the firm in a part-time capacity.
Marc van den Heuvel - Director
Marc was born and bred in Cambridge and completed his schooling here. A graduate of Otago University Law School, he has had a diverse law career practicing in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
He has significant experience in commercial business and property law including negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, sale and purchase of businesses, commercial rural and residential property transactions and their financing arrangements.
Marc has always maintained his connections to Cambridge is now the honorary solicitor for both the Hautapu Sports Club and also the Cambridge Cosmopolitan Club.
Marc is specifically interested in assisting small to medium sized business owners with their legislative compliance issues, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, financing and business turnarounds.
marc@cooneylaw.co.nz
DDI (07) 823 1555 ext 906
Emma Cooney - Senior Associate
Emma leads our family law team. Having practiced in the Wellington area for 15 years, Emma has returned to Cambridge where she grew up. Emma achieved her law degree from Victoria University in 2006 and her Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Economics and Commercial Law) in 2007.
Bringing extensive litigation experience, Emma works across all areas of family law, including acting for children in family court. She prides herself on her ability to connect with clients and guide them through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Emma’s experience has been recognised with her inclusion on both the Lawyer for Child and Lawyer for Subject Person lists.
Emma is involved with several local community organisations. She is a member of a Law Society Standards Committee and a Director of The Neurodiversity in Education Project which provides specialist education support for children with neurodiversity.
emma@cooneylaw.co.nz
DDI (07) 823 1555 ext 927
Rajbir Singh - Solicitor
Rajbir was born and raised in the Waikato and graduated from the University of Waikato with Honours for her Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in political science and a Bachelor of Law. She started practising as a solicitor in 2019 and joined Cooney Law in 2024.
Rajbir supports the firm in private client and residential property matters. She also works in the areas of estate planning and administration, which she particularly enjoys.
With multilingual skills, Rajbir is fluent in English, can speak Punjabi, Hindi, and understands Urdu.
Kathryne Fletcher - Solicitor
Kathryne joined Cooney Law in 2022 as a graduate with a depth of law office experience having spent more than 14 years in law across various roles.
Kathryne concentrates her practice across all aspects of trust law, trust administration, and estate planning. This includes the establishment and maintenance of trusts, review of trusts and advice, variations, change of trustees, distributions, and wind ups and Wills. Kathryne is well-placed to help guide you through these processes.
Michelle Way – Legal Executive
Michelle is a seasoned registered legal executive with over a decade of expertise. Covering conveyancing, trust law, estates, Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her client’s needs.
A member of Legal Executives New Zealand, she has recently stood down from being a committee member of the Auckland Waikato Branch, spending three years as the Branch President.
Lesley Anderson – Legal Executive
Lesley has worked in the legal industry for more than 30 years starting as a clerk typist in the United Kingdom to registering as a legal executive there and then later in New Zealand.
In her years of experience she has touched on many areas of law, from civil litigation and debt collection to residential and commercial conveyancing to estates and trusts and all areas between, but has predominantly spent time in conveyancing and estates. She works diligently and consistently for her clients and has been with Cooney Law for three years, always going the extra mile when needed.
Elaine Hunt – Executive Assistant
Elaine has worked as an assistant to Jocelyn Cooney and has extensive law office administration experience spanning over 25 years. Her knowledge and care of our clients is second-to-none.
With Jocelyn transferring to a consultancy role, Elaine now assists the team across all areas of our practice.
Lisa Keown – Personal Assistant
Lisa has provided secretarial and administration support to both junior and senior lawyers working in business, trust, estate, property and family teams.
Her greatest passion is family work and the job satisfaction that comes from supporting clients through what can be one of the most stressful times in their lives.
Lisa has worked alongside Emma Cooney for a number of years and together they are a highly motivated team, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for the clients in their care.
Michelle McIsaac – Legal Assistant
Cambridge born and bred, Michelle has worked in administration for most of her career and after starting as a temp with Cooney Law in 2021 she was convinced to stay.
Michelle works primarily as the head legal assistant of the conveyancing team ably running Cooney Law’s busy conveyancing files. Michelle’s exceptional problem-solving ability along with her exacting standards makes for a seamless conveyancing experience.
Jess Taylor – Personal Assistant
Jess started working for Cooney Law in September 2022. With a background in customer service and administration, she assists our solicitors with Wills, Powers of Attorney, trust administration and conveyancing matters and is now embarking on a legal executive qualification.
With Jess’s ability to just get on and get things done, she is a powerhouse of energy and produces superb results.
Loreeza Nisha – Legal Assistant
Loreeza has recently joined the team at Cooney Law and is proving to be a quick study, adding valuable legal assistance across the busy team.
She has a strong background in team management and hospitality administration which enhances her client care abilities and attention to detail with administration work.
Vicki Wise – Trust Account Administrator
Born in Hamilton, Vicki travelled the countryside clocking up experience in CAD draughting, with an emphasis in electrical and engineering drawings. Trust account administration became Vicki’s focus in the early 2000s and she very capably manages Cooney Law’s trust account and associated office functions.
She is a vital cog in the wheel of the firm and brings a wealth of knowledge, care and capability.
Caro Burford – Practice Manager
Caro has lived in the Waikato since 2005, and she happily considers Cambridge the best place in the world to live. She has a background in law and executive administration. Having previously assisted Cooney Law, she rejoined the team again in 2024.
As the Practice Manager, Caro is driven to unite the team to push their outputs and deliver unmatched legal support to Cooney Law’s valued clients. With a focus on promoting staff wellbeing, streamlining processes, and leveraging technical expertise, Caro is dedicated to upholding excellence in all aspects of Cooney Law operations for the best experience and results for clients.
caro@cooneylaw.co.nz
DDI (07) 823 1555 ext 932
We invite you to connect with us
Welcome to a partnership where your peace of mind is our priority.
Office Address: 22 Dick Street, Cambridge, New Zealand
Post Address: PO Box 369, Cambridge, New Zealand
Phone: 07 823 1555
Email: admin@cooneylaw.co.nz
