Ashika Bali
Principal/Solicitor
She said:
— Ms Knowles
"Ashika took over the necessary arrangements and I found her to be very competent and the arrangements went very smoothly. She has a very pleasant and capable manner about her and she was able to ensure that I was under no pressure. At age 81 I did appreciate her calm influence. Ashika has handled other legal matters for me and all have been done with competency and earnestness."
With over 12 years of experience in the legal field across two jurisdictions, I bring knowledge and wisdom to every case I handle. My passion for law and my drive to make a positive difference into peoples’ lives serve as a platform that produces successful results and satisfied clients. I am focused at providing high quality and affordable legal service in an efficient manner.
I started my law career in the Fiji Islands in 2007 and in New Zealand in 2010. I founded my practice in 2015 in New Zealand. I have recently been admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia.
While I undertake general legal work, I have specialised in estate administration, estate planning, enduring powers of attorney, wills, probates, letters of administration, residential care subsidy/loan applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, and retirement village work.
Past Experience
Prior to commencing my practice, I worked at a prominent Wellington law firm where I specialised in estates, elder law, wills, enduring powers of attorney, family trusts, and retirement village work. I have successfully undertaken challenging estate administration work which included complex applications for letters of administration, application to declare a document a valid will, estates with assets worth millions, assets held internationally and in diverse categories. I was referred to as the “expert on retirement village work and complex probate applications”.
Before moving to Wellington, I worked as a civil litigation solicitor at a centrally based Auckland firm where I undertook a variety of litigation work which included private international law, mental health, estates, debt collection and general litigation. I have made appearances in the District Court, Family Court, High Court, Court of Appeal (co-counsel). I have also appeared in the Supreme Court (the appearance wasn’t entered) as I had contributed substantially towards the preparation of the matter.
I have assisted Mr Tomas Kennedy-Grant, QC, in editing his book on Construction Law in New Zealand and my contribution has been acknowledged in the book. I also assisted him in preparing a paper on “Expert Determination and the Enforceability of ADR Generally” which was presented to the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand Inc / Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia Conference held in Christchurch in 2010.
Favourite Quote
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." ~ Albert Einstein
What I enjoy other than law
I love travelling! I’m amazed by the beauty and diversity of this world.
My occupation in the parallel universe
Wildlife Photographer! I have a keen interest in wildlife photography, wildlife generally.