Gillian Clarke is one of Central Otago’s most experienced lawyers and brings more than three decades of legal experience to her work advising rural clients. Admitted as a lawyer in 1987, Gillian spent many years practising in civil litigation, including with a large national law firm in Wellington, before returning to Central Otago to focus on supporting rural communities.

Gillian’s practice is centred on rural and agribusiness matters, particularly farm transactions, rural property issues and succession planning for multi-generational farming businesses. She regularly advises farming families on the legal and practical issues that arise when transitioning farms and rural businesses between generations.

Her work often involves complex ownership structures involving trusts, companies and family arrangements where careful planning is required to balance family interests while protecting the long-term sustainability of the farming operation.

Gillian also has extensive experience advising on irrigation schemes and water supply arrangements across Central Otago. Her work includes advising irrigation companies and rural landowners on governance, infrastructure arrangements and the legal implications of rural land development.

Drawing on her litigation background, Gillian is particularly skilled at identifying risks early and distilling complex legal issues into practical solutions. She is widely valued by clients and colleagues alike for her calm, thoughtful approach and her ability to provide clear guidance in challenging situations.

Gillian has deep personal connections to the Maniototo community, having grown up on a local farm. She continues to work closely with clients throughout the Maniototo and Central Otago region and maintains a regular presence in the firm’s Ranfurly office as well as the Alexandra office.

Representative Experience

Gillian’s recent experience includes advising on:

• Sale and purchase of farms and high-country stations across Central Otago and Southland
• Succession planning for multi-generational farming businesses
• Ownership restructuring of rural properties involving trusts and companies
• Governance and operational arrangements for irrigation schemes and water infrastructure
• Rural property transactions and easement issues
• Complex family and asset structuring matters affecting farming operations

Read More From Gillian

https://cmlaw.co.nz/news/water-woes-are-you-a-water-supplier/

https://cmlaw.co.nz/news/how-to-use-the-disputes-tribunal-to-recover-a-disputed-debt/