HRNZ Updates | Employment Law

Presenter Details

Fiona McMillan, Partner at Lane Neave

Fiona is the Auckland Partner of the Employment Law team and commenced her career with Lane Neave in 2007. Fiona and her team act for both employees and employers in matters involving employment relations, health and safety, human rights, privacy and ACC. Fiona advises on all aspects of termination including performance management, misconduct, serious misconduct, medical incapacity, restructurings and redundancies and negotiated exits. She also specialises in collective bargaining, human rights commission matters and independent external investigations. In 2019, Fiona undertook the certification from the Association of Workplace Investigators in Vail, Colorado, USA. Fiona regularly represents parties in Mediations, Employment Relations Authority Investigation meetings and the Employment Court. She acted as counsel in the leading case on penalties – Borsboom v PVT Limited and the leading case on union discrimination – Lamont and Others v Ritchies Transport Holdings Limited. In 2022 and 2023, Fiona was recognised as an Elite Woman in NZ Lawyer’s annual rankings. Fiona has also been recognised in Doyle’s Guide, Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading employment and health and safety practitioner in New Zealand. Although Fiona is based in Auckland, she works with clients in all parts of the country. She regularly presents employment law seminars and speaks at conferences around New Zealand. Outside of Lane Neave, Fiona is the Chairperson of the North Shore Theatre and Arts Trust which manages the Pumphouse Theatre in Takapuna.

Nicola Cuervo, Special Counsel, Lane Neave

Nicola is a Special Counsel based in our Christchurch office, specialising in employment, health law, privacy law, and dispute resolution. She has extensive private practice experience as an employment law expert, as well as significant in-house experience having been Principal Legal Advisor Employee Relations at New Zealand Police and General Counsel at District Health Boards New Zealand. As an employment lawyer, Nicola is an expert in disciplinary processes and employment investigations, restructuring, personal grievances and alternative dispute resolution. As a health lawyer, Nicola specialises in supporting health providers in respect of consent to treatment and competency issues, managing complaints and adverse events, and Coronial Inquiries. Nicola is known for her pragmatic approach, and ability to navigate clients through difficult situations without damaging ongoing relationships. Prior to joining Lane Neave, Nicola was Special Counsel at another national law firm. In addition to her New Zealand experience, Nicola has worked in London as in-house counsel to investment banks. She has graduate qualifications in viticulture, wine science, and Spanish.