Our offices will be closed after Tuesday 24th December 2024, re-opening on Monday 13th January 2025.

About BuckettLaw

BuckettLaw services clients nationwide, with a strong presence in certain regions. If you are unsure whether you need an employment lawyer, or want a preliminary discussion on your employment issue, get in touch with one of our employment lawyers right away.

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Top Rated Firm Since 1998, Supporting Employers & Employees Across Aotearoa.

As recognized legal experts, we provide specialist advice, support, and advocacy services to employers and employees throughout New Zealand. 

BuckettLaw is a Wellington-based law firm, founded in 1998 and led by top employment lawyer Barbara Buckett. Since then, we have grown to become one of Wellington's leading employment law firms.

We pride ourselves in providing timely and expert legal advice. Our team of experienced lawyers are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients, all while providing an efficient and cost-effective service. 

Our highly skilled team has an in depth knowledge of New Zealand employment law and are experts in resolving a wide range of employment issues and disputes. We've advised employees and employers in a variety of industries and sectors, so we know how to get the best results for our clients. 

We value flexibility; our team connects with clients in our office, at different locations across New Zealand, via video conferencing, telephone, and email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Our Team

Barbara Buckett, top employment barrister.

Barbara Buckett

LLB

Our Principal, Barbara is a highly respected and experienced senior employment lawyer, having practised as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand for over 35 years. She is widely acknowledged as an expert in the employment law field and has a proven track record of delivering excellent results for clients.

Prior to opening her own practice in 1998, Barbara worked as a Senior Staff Solicitor in a large professional services firm, as a Senior Legal Analyst for a public service department and an Office Solicitor for a major union.

Barbara has substantial experience in resolving workplace issues and can provide advice on both employment relations and human resource issues. Barbara advises on all areas of employment law and passionately believes in resolving issues before they arise, by providing organisations with effective compliance advice and robust processes.

Barbara has extensive dispute resolution and conflict resolution experience and frequently attends formal mediations on behalf of BuckettLaw clients, as well as both informal and formal negotiations. She prides herself on taking part in procedurally fair, clear and logical dispute resolution processes and relating to all those involved to create workable outcomes.

Barbara is also an experienced litigator, having appeared in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, Court of Appeal, District Court, High Court and Family Court on a range of issues.

As well as reading and travel, Barbara enjoys working out at the gym, fine wine and dining out with friends.

Matt Belesky.

Matt Belesky

LLB, BCOM

Matt has a broad range of experience in employment law, including providing advice on disciplinary and performance issues, bullying and harassment, workplace investigations, organisational change processes, health and safety, restraint of trade issues, 90-day trial periods and confidentiality and privacy issues.

With a background in commerce and finance, Matt’s approach to employment law is to provide the most practical and commercially focused advice possible.
Matt represents clients in mediation, the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.

Matt is a proud Wellingtonian and enjoys exercise, film, music, drumming and relaxing with mates.

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Lucy Fisher

LLB

Lucy holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Otago University.  

Her employment law expertise is complemented by her background in media and communications, equipping her to navigate the complex dynamics between employees and employers effectively.

Lucy provides clear, strategic advice and has a commitment to assisting clients to achieve positive outcomes. Lucy has established herself as a burgeoning expert in employment law, honing her skills in mediation and negotiation to effectively resolve disputes.  

Outside of work Lucy enjoys cooking, travelling and socialising with friends.

Janeen Luamanu.

Janeen Luamanu

Practice Manager

As Practice Manager, Janeen is responsible for all office procedures and uses her organizational skills to ensure smooth operations in our busy firm. She enjoys the challenges and rewards that come with the daily operations of an office.

With experience in banking, logistics, accounts and administration she brings a wealth of knowledge, passion for people and a strong belief that a collaborative approach supports the team to provide effective delivery of great service for clients and the success of our practice.

In her spare time, Janeen enjoys getting outdoors, reading books and spending time with her husband and two children.

Locations we serve

We represent clients anywhere throughout New Zealand including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim & Marlborough, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill.

Our team is available to support you throughout the process and can travel if required.

We value flexibility; our team connects with clients in our office, at different locations across New Zealand, via video conferencing, telephone, and email. 

Our physical office location is Wellington. 

Free Phone Call With Our Expert Employment Lawyers

We offer a 10 minute phone discussion to see how we can help with your employment enquiry.