The Law Store's Legal Team

Ruta Faiga, Director

 LLB; BA (Economics and Administration)

Ruta has been in private practice for over 13 years and is fluent in Samoan. She practices in property law, relationship property, family including CYFs matters, conveyancing, trusts, estates and immigration.

Ruta previously worked for the Treasury Department in Samoa before moving to New Zealand. She worked at the Treasury in New Zealand full time while undertaking her law degree at Victoria University and had a year and a half with the Legal Services Agency before pursuing a legal career.  She is committed in ensuring Pacific people are dealt with fairly and respected within the legal system.

Sharon France, Senior Associate

LLB 

Sharon was admitted to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor in July 2006, following an entertaining career in radio and print broadcasting.

Sharon spent two years at Waikanae Law before going into practice as a Barrister Sole, then as a Barrister and Solicitor. Sharon practiced in Waikanae for 5 years until she was asked to join The Law Store. 

Sharon is a Lawyer for Child and represents children by Court appointment and is also a parole lawyer.

When not practicing law, Sharon is into DIY, learning Te Reo Māori and spending time with her family

Harriet Hughes, Staff Solicitor

LLB; BA (English Literature) 

Harriet graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English literature. Prior to working at The Law Store, Harriet was employed by the Ministry of Justice and worked as a Registrar at the Porirua Family Court. This provided Harriet with a wealth of knowledge in the Family Court process, working with the public and appearing in Court.

Harriet’s special areas of interest are Care of Children Act and Domestic Violence Act proceedings.

Tamara Horua, Registered Legal Executive

DipLegalExec 

Tamara holds an NZLS Legal Executive Diploma and is registered with the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives. Tamara works in the area of Conveyancing, and goes the extra mile for her clients to ensure the process of buying and selling property is a smooth one. She can also assist with Estates, Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney. She is also studying towards her Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University.

Support Staff