Tompkins Wake appoints Natasha Alley Partner

Wednesday 3 June, 2026

Effective 3 June 2026, subject to New Zealand Law Society approval

Tompkins Wake is pleased to announce the appointment of Natasha Alley as a Partner in the firm's Civil Litigation and Intellectual Property teams, effective 3 June 2026, subject to New Zealand Law Society approval.

"Natasha is someone the whole firm respects, as a lawyer and as a colleague. Welcoming her to the partnership is a genuinely good moment for Tompkins Wake." Jon Calder, Chief Executive Officer

Background and Career

Natasha was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2000.

She worked at both Bell Gully and Simpson Grierson, developing significant experience in civil litigation and contentious intellectual property. She then spent more than a decade at the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) as Assistant Commissioner of Trade Marks, sitting as a quasi-judicial decision-maker on trade mark disputes. That experience gives her an understanding of how IP tribunals and courts approach contentious matters that few litigators possess.

Natasha joined Tompkins Wake in September 2024 and was recognised in the 2026 Legal 500 as a Recommended Lawyer for intellectual property.

Contentious Intellectual Property

Natasha's core practice is contentious intellectual property, covering trade marks, copyright, passing off and related rights disputes resolved through negotiation, mediation, litigation or quasi-judicial processes. Her IPONZ background means she understands how IP tribunals and courts approach these matters from the inside, an advantage that directly shapes her litigation strategy and client advice.

She advises clients across technology, gaming, education, media and consumer goods, working closely with Shelley Slade-Gully, Tompkins Wake's Head of Intellectual Property.

"Natasha's combination of litigation skill and quasi-judicial experience makes her exceptionally strong in contentious intellectual property. I am delighted to be welcoming her as a partner." Shelley Slade-Gully, Head of Intellectual Property, Tompkins Wake

Civil Litigation

Natasha is also an experienced civil litigator, advising on complex disputes including judicial review and defamation and media law. She joins a Civil Litigation team that Chambers and Partners ranks among New Zealand's leading litigation practices nationally.

"Natasha is an outstanding lawyer and a valued member of our team. Her appointment recognises both the expertise she brings to our clients and the contribution she has made to the firm." Kate Cornegé, Head of Civil Litigation, Tompkins Wake

A Growing Partnership

Tompkins Wake is one of New Zealand's leading law firms, with offices in Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. Natasha's appointment reflects the firm's commitment to recognising exceptional talent and investing in the continued strength of its partnership. 

Beyond her practice, Natasha is an active mentor within Tompkins Wake and contributes externally through the Intellectual Property Society of New Zealand, the Board of Sport Waikato, and the University of Waikato Law School.

Based in Hamilton, she will lead her own matters and play an active role within the Civil Litigation and Intellectual Property teams. Her practice is well-positioned to grow across privacy and cyber disputes, gaming law, education law, defamation and media, and IP adjudication and expert opinion work.