Liz Blythe Joins Russell McVeagh as Special Counsel

Russell McVeagh's new Special Counsel

Technology and Commercial lawyer Liz Blythe has joined Russell McVeagh as the firm's newest Special Counsel.

11 October 2017 - With an unerring drive and passion for ICT and commercial legal work, Liz joins the firm after years spent working in Technology and Commercial Contracts for US, UK and New Zealand law firms.

Liz provides expert advice on a broad range of commercial and technology transactions, including IT, financial services and BPO outsourcing, commercial procurement and supply, managed services, technology commercialisation, licensing, support and innovation, cloud services, as well as advising on M&A matters where there is a key ICT component. Liz is a skilled negotiator with expertise in drafting complex contractual arrangements and providing pragmatic legal advice to clients across a wide variety of industries.

Russell McVeagh Board Chair, David Hoare, says the firm is pleased to welcome Liz, who joins the firm's Corporate Advisory team based in Auckland, adding depth to the firm's technology expertise and at senior counsel level.

"As all organisations shift to become technology focused businesses, being responsive, agile and prepared to engage with the latest technologies at every opportunity, will be a strategic differentiator.

"We are bolstering our capabilities to respond to the disruptive changes occurring in business and are well placed to provide strategic advice on these shifting technological sands," he says.

Prior to joining Russell McVeagh, Liz was a senior associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy based in London, during which time she attended Harvard Law School’s executive education programme. She was an associate based in Ashurst LLP's London office previously.

The appointment is the first of its kind for Russell McVeagh using the new 'Special Counsel' title. The firm has changed its 'Consultant' title at this level for its senior lawyers which include Catherine Marks, Debbie Booth, Joe Edwards, Mark Campbell, as well as the returning Sarah Salmond, who the firm is pleased to welcome back permanently after working overseas on a part-time basis.

"The title of Special Counsel has been created for highly experienced and respected senior lawyers who excel in their chosen field," Mr Hoare says.

Formerly known as 'Consultants', these lawyers are now known and recognised as 'Special Counsel', providing a better reflection of the experience, skill and seniority of these practitioners, aligning with international best practice, as well as avoiding confusion around this term, used in the wider business community for non-permanent staff members.

ENDS

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