Cheryl Officer

Director
cheryl@wmlaw.co.nz  

Cheryl is an experienced senior solicitor specialising in property and conveyancing matters. A University of Otago graduate, she was admitted in 2012. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Cheryl was the office manager and law clerk for Jeff Walker for many years. She has been with the firm since its inception in 1999.

Cheryl has an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day practice management and extensive legal knowledge. She is best known in the area of property law where she often juggles a multitude of complicated transactions. She is also highly skilled in in other areas of legal practice. Cheryl has a diverse property law practice and has become a trusted adviser to a broad range of clients including private and corporate entities.  

Cheryl is closely tied to the sporting community and has held significant board roles including chairing Southland District Rugby League and a board member for the Southern Zone Rugby League.

In 2014, her service to this sector was honoured when she was awarded Administrator of the Year at the Southland Sports Awards.

Pip Walker Stevens

Director
pip@wmlaw.co.nz

Pip specialises in family law and private client matters. Pip worked the best part of a decade in Melbourne and Sydney in private client litigation having graduated from Otago University with a double degree in Law and Arts (communication). Pip returned to NZ in 2019.

Pip is passionate about the delivery of sustainable long-term outcomes to family disputes and believes in applying a costs sensitive approach. Pip believes in looking at the “big picture" when navigating disputes involving children. Pip previously held the Executive position of Chair of Collaborative Resolution New Zealand and Vice President of the Victorian Association for Collaborative Professionals in Melbourne is an advocate for keeping families out of Court where possible.

When required, Pip is a strong advocate and appears for her clients regularly in the Family Court and in the District & High Courts. Pip is a Court appointed Lawyer for Child representing children in care of children disputes. Pip enjoys advising on asset protection and structuring including establishing trusts and preparing pre-nuptial or contracting out agreements.

Pip is a Director on the Board of Habitat for Humanity Invercargill, the not-for-profit aimed at improving community housing.

Pip describes the highlight of her career as working alongside her Dad, Jeff. Pip enjoys exploring the backyard of Murihiku, the arts and time with her family and has many clients in Rakiura / Stewart Island.

Cleland Murdoch

Consultant
cleland@wmlaw.co.nz  

Cleland is a born and bred Southlander and has practised law for more than 40 years. He began his career at Tait Ward & Co in 1977 before beginning his own legal practice as a sole practitioner in 1999. 

In 2005, Cleland joined forces with Jeff Walker to form Jeff Walker & Cleland Murdoch Lawyers which was later incorporated as Walker Murdoch Law Limited.

Cleland’s work includes all complex property matters including attending to conveyancing, trusts, wills, estates, matrimonial matters.

Cleland is a dedicated Lawyer for Children representing children in Family Court proceedings and ensuring their views are heard and expressed to the Court.

Cleland is well known and regarded across Southland and the profession for his personable approach to matters. Clients place immense value on his provision of reliable and honest advice to clients. He has also served as the District Inspector for Mental Health for 25 years. His patient and caring attitude in this work has been a considerable offering to the community over many years.

Outside of the office, Cleland is involved with harness racing, enjoys watching sports and spending time with his extended family.