Celebrating Four New Senior Associates
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Samantha Stowell, Ryan McMaster, Christopher Williams and Ben Alexander to Senior Associate. Each brings strong legal capability, trusted client relationships, and a leadership style that reflects who we are as a firm. These promotions also reflect our commitment to growing great lawyers – down-to-earth people who combine technical excellence with genuine care for our clients and community.
Samantha Stowell joined Sharp Tudhope straight from university nine years ago and has since become a trusted adviser in the trust law and estate planning space. Helping clients feel secure about their future is what motivates her most. “I get to help guide clients through the sometimes tricky space of trusts and planning out their assets for their families,” she says. “It is so satisfying to me, knowing that my clients are set up for the future.” Samantha says the people are what make Sharp Tudhope special. “We have a fantastic team that genuinely cares about our clients and our community. I relish being able to work alongside talented and caring people for the benefit of our clients.”
Ryan McMaster joined the firm in 2018 and works with a wide range of local businesses, offering practical advice in all areas of commercial law. With deep ties to the Tauranga community, he values the mix of meaningful client work and the team around him. “Sharp Tudhope is a fantastic place to work – great clients, interesting work, and an excellent team,” he says. “I’m grateful for the mentoring and support I’ve received and excited about the next chapter.” Ryan’s steady contribution and practical, grounded approach have made him a trusted adviser and an emerging leader within the commercial team.
Christopher Williams joined Sharp Tudhope in 2020 and says the firm – particularly Partner Richard Hoare – backed his potential from day one. Raised in Southern Hawke’s Bay, he maintains strong rural connections and advises agribusinesses, Māori organisations and SMEs. He’s also recently achieved a Level 3 qualification in Te Reo Māori. What Christopher values most in his work is the calibre and authenticity of the people around him – both colleagues and clients.“The people here, across all levels and departments, are genuinely fantastic to work with, and the depth of expertise in the firm is something I really value,” he says. “Our clients do ambitious, interesting things, and they keep us busy with work that is both challenging and rewarding.”
Ben Alexander’s journey with Sharp Tudhope began as a summer clerk in 2017. He has since developed broad expertise in rural and commercial property, orchard transactions, subdivisions, commercial leasing, trusts and relationship property. “I’ve always enjoyed the problem-solving nature of property work and the opportunity to help clients navigate transactions and projects that really matter to them,” he says. As he steps into his promotion, Ben is focused on supporting newer lawyers to grow their confidence and capability. “I’m looking forward to mentoring our junior lawyers and contributing further to the firm that has supported me from the very beginning.”
Chair of Partners Brooke Courtney says the appointments recognise not only the legal expertise and dedication of these lawyers, but also their commitment to building genuine client partnerships. “They each live the values we hold as a firm – delivering quality advice while genuinely caring about the people and businesses we work with,” she says. “Their growth strengthens our firm and our region, and we’re proud to see them step into these senior roles.”