Danae Weston

Capability 

Being an in-house lawyer enables me to deliver real value to my clients. By working “in” the business I am able to get a much deeper understanding of my clients and their businesses than I could ever achieve as an external legal advisor. 

With over 20 years experience in commercial development and property law, both in-house and in private practice, I have worked for a wide variety of public and private sector clients, operating across a range of industries. My clients would turn to me for advice when they faced a legal or commercial challenge, whether it involved a piece of “business as usual” work or a complex project, because they knew I was someone with experience and integrity who could communicate sometimes complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner and provide really practical, workable and on-point advice supported by tailored solutions they immediately put into action. This approach is something I now apply in my in-house engagements. 

I particularly enjoy in-house because of the variety of work an in-house lawyer get to experience, and because frequently you are working in teams that include people from across an organisation. No two days are ever the same, and I like that I could be asked to step in on a piece of reasonably ordinary transactional work or complex piece of policy or a special project. This dynamic environment suits me as I am adaptable and love growing those key relationships which better enable me to add real value to any business I have the pleasure of embedding myself in.

In addition to offering legal expertise in commercial and land law, specifically buying, selling, leasing, contract negotiation and drafting, development, infrastructure, construction, joint ventures and portfolio management, I have experience developing high functioning teams, procurement, stakeholder management and leading teams through organisational change. My management style is approachable and down to earth.

Juno Clients

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa

Before Juno

Meredith Connell | Partner – Commercial Group – Property Lead
Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities | Associate General Counsel – Property
Ministry of Education | Project Manager – Acquisitions and Designations
Meredith Connell | Associate
Chapman Tripp | Senior Solicitor
Duncan Cotterill | Senior Solicitor

Areas of expertise

• Land law (buying, selling, leasing, land development)
• Land development and construction (including consenting, upgrades and compliance)
• Infrastructure
• Commercial contracts (drafting, negotiation and contract management)
• Joint ventures
• General commercial contracts
• Portfolio management
• General risk identification and management
• Public Works Act (including compulsory acquisition and RMA designations)
• Project management
• Tenant management and dispute avoidance
• Overseas Investment
• Government procurement