Benjamin Robert Frendin

I have regularly maintained a case load in excess of 60 files, running from start to finish, including interviewing and advising clients as to the law, appearing in court on their behalf, negotiating with the police and/or Crown, and appearing at trial.

I have had regular experience of PAL 2, 3 and 4 matters as a PAL 1 lawyer, running those files from the beginning, through various pre-trial applications including non-party disclosure applications and investigating veracity applications, through to running jury trials, including two child sex PAL 3 trials.

I have assisted in the training with junior staff in the office, both by giving them advise whenever required and by supervising them in court, including supervising multiple judge-alone trials ran by juniors, including assisting with the preparation of the trials.

I learnt the basics of criminal law in the busiest court in New Zealand. I went from a supervised provider to a PAL 1 lawyer junioring on PAL 2 files for jury trial, though due to COVID none of the jury trials I had prepped proceeded at that stage.

I regularly dealt with a diverse range of clients, judges and coworkers in a very busy though inefficient court system. I consistently maintained a high workload of over 60 files.

I worked as a property/commercial lawyer, which included some civil litigation experience.

• Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
• Advised clients on variety of legal matters, including conveyancing, commercial contracts, bankruptcy proceedings, wills and trusts, small claims and civil debt claims.
• Prepared and drafted wills, deeds and enduring power of attorney documents.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
• Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.

I oversaw and managed aspects of a Packhouse to ensure it ran efficiently and effectively. The role involved management of people and practical problem solving.

I managed a team of movers to efficiently sort and pack a moving van, then unpack and arrange according to customer instructions upon delivery.

I packed, drove and delivered ice and ice sculptures to the wider Wellington region

I worked a variety of farm labourer jobs including docking, drenching, dipping, herding, thistle grubbing and spraying, and any other jobs as required by the farm manager.

I renovated farm cottages and the farm homestead, including installing a bathroom and kitchen, replastering and repairing damage as required, and repainting the houses, both inside and out. I have renovated 10 houses and have managed a small team of painters.