Janet is the Managing Partner of Copeland Ashcroft. With over 25 years’ experience in employment and health and safety law, Janet also has extensive governance experience having been involved in governance roles across a range of sectors including national sporting codes, netball franchises, tertiary education and local government.

Janet has significant experience in the aged care, transport, tourism, education, construction, health, non-profit, agriculture, local government, trades and professional services areas.

For all of her career Janet has assisted employers in collective bargaining with unions and is very experienced in providing strategic industrial relations advice and representation. She has handled health and safety prosecutions and sentencing as well as supporting clients through WorkSafe investigations. Her regular appearances in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court mean she is well placed to advise on all employment law related matters.

Janet holds a certificate in workplace investigations from the Association of Workplace Investigators, and has significant experience in conducting and advising on investigations.

Kristin carried out her studies at Otago University.  Prior to joining Copeland Ashcroft Law, Kristin completed an entertainment law clerkship in Australia.

Kristin supports employer and employee clients across the full scope of work related issues, including with dispute resolution.

Anna is an Associate in our Invercargill office. She graduated from Otago University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Politics and New Zealand Studies) and was admitted to the Bar in 2017 whilst working in local government. She has a strong background in policy and represented New Zealand at the OECD Forum in Paris during 2016.

From 2018 onwards, Anna has practiced as a Solicitor joining the team at Copeland Ashcroft in 2022. Working in general practice, Anna has litigation experience having appeared in the High Court, District Court and Employment Relations Authority, as well as prior experience in immigration matters such as visa and residency applications, as well as employment matters involving mediation, investigations, restructuring procedures and personal grievances.

In her spare time Anna is a Director of Recycle South and a Trustee of Youthline Southland. She is also a Facilitator for SIT2LRN and facilitates papers in the Bachelor of Applied Management and Bachelor of Professional Communications courses, as well as being an independent marriage celebrant.

Kate is a Solicitor in our Invercargill office. She graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (History) and was admitted to the bar in 2021.

Kate enjoys working with both employers and employees and prides herself on being friendly and approachable.

Kate grew up in rural Southland and in her spare time she is involved in her local Young Farmers club and in Girl Guiding New Zealand.

Usale graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2023 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Usale joins the Invercargill team at Copeland Ashcroft and is enthusiastic about commencing her career in employment law.

Outside of the office, Usale embraces rural life on a dairy farm and finds solace in spending quality time with family and friends.

Rebecca is based in the Invercargill office and is the Practice Coordinator for the South and is also Executive Assistant to Janet Copeland. She has previously worked in the conveyancing area of the law, both as a legal assistant at a small law firm, and as a personal assistant and office administrator at a large real estate agency.

Outside of the office, Rebecca enjoys reading, travelling and spending time with family and friends.