The Cooney Law team

Jocelyn Cooney - Principal

Jocelyn has been practising as a Barrister & Solicitor for more than 40 years. After practising in Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua, she and her husband David returned to Cambridge in 1982.

Jocelyn has strong ties to Cambridge having completed her own High School education here and returning to raise her family. Jocelyn has two children, Emma is a lawyer living in Wellington and Rob is the Chief Financial Office of a Charitable Foundation in Auckland.

In 1996 Jocelyn was appointed as the Coroner of the Cambridge District and continued in that role until June 2007 when part time Coroners were replaced by full time Coroners.

Jocelyn’s husband David is an insurance broker. His firm, Cooney Financial Services, is also based in Cambridge.

While Jocelyn practices in several main areas of law, in particular family law, she is committed to continuing the development of the conveyancing practice of the firm.

Jocelyn is the Honorary Solicitor for a number of community and charitable organisations including Cambridge Parents Centre, Grey Power Cambridge, Cambridge Creative Fibre, Cambridge Health and Community Trust, Lyceum House and Cambridge Riding for the Disabled. She was a Trustee of the Waipa Community Trust for more than 9 years and is currently serving on the Cambridge Safer Community Charitable Trust (Neighbourhood Support), The Cambridge Autumn Festival Trust and has been on the Board of Salisbury School in Nelson for more than 10 years.

Email: jocelyn@cooneylaw.co.nz

Marc van den Heuvel - Partner

Marc was born and bred in Cambridge and completed his schooling through to the end of High School here. Marc is a graduate of Otago University Law School and has had a diverse career in the law both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Marc is experienced in commercial business and property law including negotiating and drafting of commercial contracts, sales and purchases of businesses, commercial rural and residential property transactions and their financing arrangements.

Marc is also specifically interested in assisting small to medium sized business owners with their legislative compliance issues, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, financing and business turnarounds.

Marc is very much looking forward to becoming actively involved in the Cambridge Community and participating in the opportunities Cambridge has to offer.

Email: marc@cooneylaw.co.nz

Elaine Hunt – Personal Assistant

Elaine has been part of Jocelyn’s team since 1999 and is Jocelyn and Sinead’s PA. Her office administration background is invaluable in her management of the firm’s family law, litigation and Will files. Elaine particularly enjoys her contact with clients and finds her role rewarding.

Elaine and her husband Murray have been established in the Cambridge community for many years.   They have two children, Tarah and Javin and three grandchildren.

Email: elaine@cooneylaw.co.nz

Lynette Maddocks - Receptionist

Lynette joined Cooney Law in March of 2018, following her return to New Zealand after 16 months travel throughout the U.K. and Europe with her husband.

Having chosen Cambridge as their perfect place to resettle, Lynette is looking forward to welcoming clients at reception, when she has administrative experience in accounting, insurance and legal professions.

Email: reception@cooneylaw.co.nz

Julie Hemmes - Legal Secretary

Julie commenced working at Cooney Law in November 2020 in the conveyancing team.  She has 10 years experience working in law firms dealing with conveyancing and trust accounting.  Julie is currently working towards the Legal Executive qualification.

Julie currently lives in Te Aroha with her husband Colin and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  She particularly likes the outdoors, beaches and spending time with family and friends.

Email:  julie@cooneylaw.co.nz