Tompkins Wake promotes three Senior Associates to Special Counsel

Tuesday 3 February, 2026

Tompkins Wake is pleased to announce the promotion of Jacinda Johnston, Laura Fischer and Becky Brown to Special Counsel, recognising their significant contribution to the firm, their clients and their respective practice areas.

The appointments reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to developing senior legal talent from within and strengthening leadership capability across key practice areas.

Jacinda Johnston is a senior commercial property specialist based in the firm’s Hamilton office. She works with clients nationally and collaborates closely with colleagues across Tompkins Wake’s Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty offices. Jacinda advises developers, investors and owner-occupiers on complex commercial property transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, due diligence, financing and leasing. She also has extensive experience working with Māori trusts on property investments and ownership structures. Jacinda is widely respected for her commercial approach and the strength of her client relationships.

Laura Fischer is a senior practitioner in relationship property and trust law and a leader within the firm’s Family Law practice. She advises on complex relationship property disputes, claims involving estates and trusts, contracting out agreements, and applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act. Laura is known for combining technical excellence with empathy and discretion, and for her strong commitment to mentoring and developing others within the team. She works across the firm’s Hamilton and Rotorua offices.

Becky Brown is a Special Counsel in the Dispute Resolution team with more than a decade of litigation experience. She specialises in commercial disputes, insolvency litigation, construction and property matters, as well as trust and estate litigation. Becky regularly appears in the Court of Appeal, High Court and District Court, and is recognised for her strategic judgement, clear advice and calm, authoritative advocacy. She also assists clients to resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.

Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake Chief Executive, says the promotions reflect both individual achievement and the firm’s broader people strategy:

“Jacinda, Laura and Becky are all highly regarded practitioners who exemplify our commitment to excellence, collaboration and client service. Their promotions are thoroughly deserved and underscore our focus on building strong internal leadership for the long term.”

Tompkins Wake congratulates Jacinda, Laura and Becky on their promotions and looks forward to their continued contribution to the firm’s growth and success.