The saying, ‘life is too short to drink cheap wine” is probably Gary’s mantra and backed up by a very impressive wine cellar and in-depth knowledge of New Zealand and Australian wines. At the other end of the spectrum, Gary is also a European car enthusiast and owner of a Citroen 2CV Charlston – the perfect car for visiting vineyards mid-summer no doubt!
Gary was a true Knappsappien having joined Knapps Lawyers as a graduate back in 1979. He is regarded as one of Nelson’s more senior commercial lawyers and these skills are complemented by numerous involvements in business organisations outside of work. The fact that he has practiced in Nelson since the age of 26, has also given him years of inside knowledge about doing business in Nelson.
Gary has had a long association with Rotary and the Automobile Association (AA). He joined the Rotary Club of Nelson West in 1986 and has been past president of his club twice and served as a Rotary Assistant District Governor for 3 years. His history with the AA is just as comprehensive having served on the AA Board for 14 years including 3 years as National President (2020 -2023). Gary has recently stepped down from his role as Chairman of Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) Charitable Trust. He currently remains as a Nelson District Councillor.
Gary has also had a long working relationship with the Chamber of Commerce having been a judge for the business awards for several years and has been a past board member and past president.
Gary’s strong financial and strategic skills has seen him hold the role of Managing Partner at Knapps for over 20 years. Not a role many lawyers wish to take on, but Gary has been very successful partly down to his legendry legal financial analysis skills and the fact that everyone likes him! To have been a Managing Partner for so long makes him a rare individual in the legal profession and his drive and passion for all things law has not dimmed a jot over the years. He is excited to be channeling this excess energy which seems to spring forth eternally from within him into the new firm.
Check out the range of legal solutions and advice that Gary can provide you with https://www.clientlegalsolutions.co.nz/businesses/