Rachael Dewar Law was established in 2010 by family law expert, Rachael Dewar. The team has since grown to five dedicated family lawyers practising across all areas of family law. We work collaboratively to offer you clear and cost-effective legal advice and representation when you need it most.
Rachael Dewar Law is committed to the community, and to ensuring access to justice for all people. Our lawyers provide services for legally aided persons, assist the Mothers Project, and volunteer at the Community Law Centre. All our lawyers are members of the Wellington Family Courts Association and the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.
The team at Rachael Dewar Law are also committed to increasing cultural competency, and have an ongoing study programme to learn Te Reo Māori. We strive to be a culturally safe space for all.
Rachael Dewar – Principal
Rachael Dewar (LLB, BA) is the founder and principal of Rachael Dewar Law. Rachael is a senior family lawyer, with over 30 years’ experience in the field. Rachael provides expert advice and representation in all aspects of family law including relationship property, estate claims, pre-nuptial agreements, parenting and relocation, adoption and surrogacy arrangements.
Rachael is a senior Lawyer for Child and an accredited FDR (Family Dispute Resolution) Mediator and has many years hands-on experience in mediation.
Rachael is also a long-standing member of the Wellington Family Law Committee of the NZ Law Society and recently served on the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section. In November 2019, Rachael was Chair of the NZLS Family Law Conference, attended by over 400 family lawyers and other experts from NZ and overseas. She was a member of the organising committee for the 2021 Conference.
Rachael is passionate about empowering clients to find the best solutions, as well as seeing justice done. Outside of work Rachael is active in the local community. She is a voluntary Trustee of several charitable Trust Boards, volunteers at the Soup Kitchen, sings in the Orpheus Choir, and is an avid reader and dedicated book club member.
Email rachael@dewarlaw.co.nz or click to get started now with Rachael Dewar.
Louisa Jackson – Associate
Louisa Jackson (LLB Hons, BA) is an Associate at Rachael Dewar Law. Louisa advises and represents clients in all areas of family law, with a special interest in complex relationship property, estate claims, childcare matters including relocation, and incapacity issues. Prior to working in family law, Louisa was Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office. She has a first-class Honours degree in Law, a bachelor’s degree in social policy, and has published academic articles relating to child protection and mental health issues.
Louisa is experienced in complex litigation and draws on this to provide strategic advice to her clients. She is happiest when helping clients resolve disputes in a positive and efficient way. If it becomes necessary to go to Court, Louisa is an able litigator and a strong advocate for her clients.
Louisa is empathetic, and clear headed. She enjoys being part of a diverse family and understands the challenges presented by family conflict. Louisa is an active mother of two young children and, in her few spare moments, will be found either on her yoga mat or in the garden.
Email louisa@dewarlaw.co.nz or click to get started now with Louisa Jackson.
Rachel Szentivanyi – Solicitor
Rachel Szentivanyi (LLB, BA) is a Solicitor at Rachael Dewar Law. Rachel advises clients in all areas of family law with a particular interest in relationship property and care of children. Prior to working in family law, Rachel worked at an Auckland firm advising clients on the formation and restructure of family trusts, experience that Rachel draws on when advising clients in relationship property matters.
Rachel provides an empathetic and people-centric approach towards problem solving and resolving family disputes. Rachel works closely with clients, ensuring that they feel understood and supported, through her friendly and energetic outlook.
Rachel offers Legal Aid advice on all family law matters. She is active in the Wellington Young Lawyers Committee and volunteers at the Community Law Centre.
Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the greater Wellington area. Being a fitness enthusiast, she enjoys hiking, running and playing social netball. Rachel is also a keen avid chef and enjoys Wellington’s restaurant scene with her friends.
Email rachel.s@dewarlaw.co.nz
Kusum Ravji – Practice Manager
Kusum Ravji (BBS) is the Practice Manager at Rachael Dewar Law and is responsible for maintaining work systems, procedures and policies. Other duties include overseeing and the improvement of practice operations, debtor and personnel management and financial administration.
Kusum comes with a background in financial management in both the private and public sector. She has over 15 years’ experience in the legal industry as a Practice Manager and Accountant in financial reporting, payroll and human resource management.
Kusum is available to answer any debtor or administrative queries from clients.
Kusum, originally from Taranaki, enjoys hiking the Wellington hills, being creative with her Singer and entertaining other avid fans when the All Blacks play.
Email kusum@dewarlaw.co.nz
Support Staff
Tania Weir – Legal Secretary
Email tania@dewarlaw.co.nz
Hannah Giles – Legal Secretary
Email hannah@dewarlaw.co.nz
Yvonne Helps – Accounts
Email yvonne@dewarlaw.co.nz