Originally from the Waikato, Adam obtained his law degree from Victoria University of Wellington in 1997 before embarking on an international career that would see him develop extensive trust experience across multiple jurisdictions, including New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. After returning to New Zealand in early 2026, Adam joined Client Legal Solutions to head up our Trusts and Elder Law teams.
Adam specialises in both New Zealand and international trusts and trust-related matters. His experience ranges from family trusts and estates through to complex structures involving major financial institutions. This breadth of experience gives him a practical understanding of trusts at every level, from helping families protect and manage their assets through to navigating complex international trust arrangements.
He also has considerable expertise in regulatory and compliance matters, including Know Your Client (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and international reporting regimes such as CRS, FATCA and AEOI.
Earlier in his career, Adam also practised as a criminal defence lawyer. His most memorable success? Defending a dog in the High Court of the Cook Islands — successfully. (True story.)
Outside the law, Adam can also claim international rugby honours, although perhaps not quite enough to trouble the All Blacks selectors. He once played a 10-minute international stint for the British Virgin Islands — and according to the rules of international rugby, that counts.