Our Team.

Hailing from the Wairarapa where he attended Wairarapa College, Richard graduated from Victoria University with a BA in Political Science in the mid 1970’s, before trying his hand as a freezing worker. It did not take long before he heeded his father’s advice to go back to university to study law.

After graduating from Canterbury University in 1979 he learned his trade in Nelson, Mt Maunganui and subsequently Pukekohe. After 2½ years with a local firm, he set up his own practice in April 1989 in King Street, Pukekohe.

Richard’s practice grew rapidly in the fields of criminal law, general litigation, property law, estates, and all areas in which most provincial solicitors specialize, and he continues to offer the same all-round expertise that has always been his trademark. His approach to legal practice is based on a healthy dose of pragmatic realism combined with an emphasis on meeting his clients’ needs. His flexibility means he will often see clients after hours to suit their situation.

Joining Richard and the team at Blackwood Legal in July 2020, Peter has a diverse range of areas in which he practices and has become a trusted adviser to a broad range of clients including private and corporate entities. His extensive range of experience assists him to understand the clients’ needs, the difficulties poised in their legal matters and to advise them through-out the process. Peter is approachable and friendly, often debunking the jargon for clients that comes with a lot of legal processes.

Paulette joined Blackwood Legal in July 2020 with Peter Montagna. Having previously worked in a large South Auckland Law Firm for 23 years, Paulette has gained a wealth of knowledge and her specialist areas of practice are residential and commercial conveyancing, wills, trust, estates, and enduring powers of attorney.

Paulette is a Fellow of New Zealand Legal Executives. Paulette provides professional, efficient, and friendly service to her clients and will go the extra mile to ensure that clients’ matters are completed smoothly and as stress free for clients as possible.