Michelle Hooper
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Michelle began her law degree at the University of Waikato in 2001 after having spent some time in the workforce and attained a Diploma in Exercise Science. Michelle graduated from the University of Waikato with LLB honours in 2004.

While studying law at the University of Waikato she worked as a caseworker at the Hamilton District Community Law Centre and worked as an assistant to a well known Hamilton Barrister.

During university holidays in 2003 she took up a position with the Thames Coromandel District Council as a Land and Property Administrator before moving to Swarbrick Dixon in 2004.

Initially she was employed by Swarbrick Dixon as a Law Clerk while she completed her Professionals. She became a Staff Solicitor upon her admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand on 8 July 2005.

Michelle's work experience at Swarbrick Dixon includes:

• The sale and purchase of residential and commercial property
• The sale and purchase of businesses
• Company law
• Contract drafting
• Commercial leasing
• Commercial financing
• Local government law (property and road stopping)
• Wills/Trusts/Estates
• Relationship Property

Michelle's interests outside of work focus on keeping fit and family life.

Michelle has also developed a taste for good wine and enjoys holidays with her husband in the various wine regions around New Zealand.

 

Amanda Scown
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Amanda is currently away from the office on maternity leave but shall be returning to work sometime in November. Please contact Dorothy Thresher if you have any queries.

Amanda was born in Taranaki, grew up in Hamilton and obtained a Batchelor of Laws from the University of Otago.

Amanda began her long standing relationship with Swarbrick Dixon as the firm's Office Junior in 1994.  Gaining a taste for the profession, she left to study law, returning to the firm in January 2007 as a staff solicitor in the litigation team.

Amanda returned to the firm with 5 years of litigation experience and has spent half her legal career prosecuting for government agencies in New Zealand and local authorities in the United Kingdom. Amanda's work in the litigation team of Swarbrick Dixon includes:

• Local Government
• Prosecution work
• Family law
• Civil litigation

Amanda is a keen traveler and has spent time living in Europe and Asia, and as a sports enthusiast, Amanda has run half marathons in 4 different countries.

Amanda's interests outside of the office include cycling the scenic Waikato roads, and spending time with her extended family.

 

Ilse Botha
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Ilse was born in South Africa, where she also grew up. For 25 years Ilse worked for Advocates Chambers before immigrating to New Zealand, with her family in January 2001.

Since being in Hamilton, Ilse has worked in three law firms, first as a typist and then progressing to a secretary for a partner in one firm, before coming to Swarbrick Dixon.

Ilse joined Swarbrick Dixon in 2004 working as a secretary for two partners, Michael Dixon and Mike Bracken.

A progression within Swarbrick Dixon has Ilse currently in the position of Legal Assistant, primarily dealing with conveyancing.

Ilse is also completing the Property Law and Practice paper of New Zealand Law Society Legal Executive Course at Wintech.

Outside of work Ilse's interests include playing netball, walking and reading.