About Us

Tony Steindle - Director

Tony’s expertise is in all areas of commercial and property law. Recent work he has undertaken includes:

• Substantial property developments including apartments and green field land development;
• The sale of a substantial business to a listed company;
• Structuring investment of venture capital;
• Commercial property acquisition including retail, industrial and offices; and
• Complex estate planning factoring in both creditor protection and income tax considerations.

Tony has written a book ‘Property Law – An Investors Guide’, has appeared on television, given seminars, and been interviewed by media in relation to property law. For six years he was a member of the National Standards Committee of the New Zealand Law Society.

Karen Wilkinson - Associate

Karen is an Associate and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives as well as a registered Conveyancing Practitioner having been practicing for over 30 years.

Karen’s expertise is in all areas of property law including:

• Residential and commercial property sales and purchases;
• Terraced housing and apartment developments and sales;
• Residents societies
• Subdivisions, easements, and body corporate rules.

In her role Karen acts for several successful property developers and also enjoys helping private clients with their residential conveyancing needs. In addition to property law Karen’s recent experience also includes trusts, estate administration, wills, commercial leases, and enduring powers of attorney.

Vicki MacKay - Registered Legal Executive

Vicky has worked in the legal industry for over 10 years, has been a full time legal executive for 5 years, and registered for 3 years.

Her background is predominantly residential conveyancing and refinancing transactions. Vicki likes assisting clients whether it be in relation to their first home, forever home or as an investment.

Vicki works in land development, including apartments and green fields developments involving subdivisions, drafting bespoke agreements, and the sale of developed property.

Chris McGowan - Practice Manager

Chris deals with general day to day management of the firm including the trust account, AML compliance, meeting Law Society requirements, and other aspects of firm management.

Chris has a Bachelor in Business. He joined the legal industry over 5 years ago and prior to then managed businesses outside of law both locally and internationally.

Chris has worked in business and brings to Contessa Law a strong client service perspective and understands what clients want and need.