Ashika Bali
Principal/Solicitor
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.