Rachel Cardoza - Partner
- Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (admitted 1989)
- Bachelor of Laws Otago (May 1989)
- Chair - Mirror Services - Whakaata Tohu Tohu
- President – Saint Margaret’s College, University of Otago
- Member – New Zealand Law Society
- Member – Family Law Section New Zealand
- Lawyer for Child and Counsel to Assist
- Former President Otago University Graduates Committee (giving the Graduation Address in May 1996)
Rachel has family in the United States who have worked in law enforcement. In 1985 Rachel worked for the United States Government in Pre-trial Services during her University Summer Holidays. This role involved assessing felons at San Joaquin County Jail for release on their own recognizance.
In 1989 at Professional Legal Studies Rachel met Susie Staley and they continued their friendship, sharing their experiences as young practitioners and later deciding to commence practice together.
On her graduation and admission to the Bar in 1989 Rachel began work in a medium sized firm in litigation, primarily in Criminal and Family law, but also some Civil work. After that Rachel was invited to join Kam Niak in South Dunedin to develop and service a Family Law Practice, along with carrying out some criminal and employment work.
Rachel has developed a significant family law practice due to her extensive years of experience in the area. She is regularly appointed as Lawyer for Child and Lawyer to Assist the Court in difficult family law cases and deals with complex relationship property matters (including in overseas jurisdictions) often involving companies, trusts and high value assets including farms.
When not at work Rachel and her husband Antony enjoy spending time in their busy household of three boys. Basketball is a feature of home life with Antony being the former coach of the Otago Nuggets and coaching at various levels including national, club and school. Rachel enjoys fashion, especially supporting local designers, interior decorating and exercise.
