About us
People
Brintyn Smith leads a team of dedicated family law specialists who are committed to providing fair, compassionate, and strategic support to ensure every client is heard, respected, and well represented. With expertise in family law and alternative dispute resolution, we understand the complexities - and the nuances - that often arise during family law matters.
Brintyn Smith (Tūhoe)
LLB (Hons)
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Brintyn Smith is a qualified barrister based in New Zealand, specialising in family law and related matters. Known for his kindness and empathy, Brintyn is dedicated to offering specialist legal representation and support to clients navigating complex family issues. He is listed on the Court-approved Lawyer for Child panel, reflecting his expertise in working with children in legal proceedings.
Areas of Expertise
Brintyn provides specialist legal services across a range of family law areas including relationship property disputes, parenting/guardianship matters, and cases of family violence. As an accredited mediator with the Resolution Institute, he prioritises resolving disputes outside of Court whenever possible, using his mediation and negotiation skills to help clients reach fair and sustainable agreements. In addition, Brintyn is a trained and accredited Collaborative Lawyer, offering an alternative, non-adversarial approach to dispute resolution that fosters cooperation and respect.
Professional Experience
Before establishing his barrister practice, Brintyn gained valuable experience as a lawyer for Oranga Tamariki, which gave him unique insights into the challenges faced by families in crisis and the complexities of family law. Brintyn is also a passionate advocate for practitioner wellbeing, regularly speaking on topics related to practitioner safety and wellbeing. He is frequently invited to speak, both nationally and internationally, on these important issues.
Advocacy for a Kinder Approach to Law
As an Advisory Board member of The Kind Lawyers, Brintyn believes that law can and should be done differently—through a much kinder and more respectful approach.
Commitment to Clients
Brintyn is committed to providing compassionate, pragmatic, and cost-effective legal services. Widely known for his kindness and empathy, he understands the emotional and financial stresses that often accompany family disputes. Through his expertise and dedication, Brintyn works diligently to secure fair and just outcomes for his clients, empowering individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.
Memberships and Associations:
Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.
The New Zealand Law Society.
Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa.
The Law Association of New Zealand.
The Kind Lawyers (Advisory Board Member).
Pacifica Congress.
Resolution Institute Professional (Accredited Mediator).
New Zealand Bar Association.
Alice Strang
LLB / BA
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Alice Strang is an employed barrister working alongside Brintyn Smith, specialising in family law and related legal matters. With a strong commitment to advocating for her clients, Alice provides specialist legal representation and guidance in various areas of family law.
Areas of Expertise
Family Law
Alice focuses on a wide range of family law issues, including relationship property disputes, parenting and guardianship, adoption, and family violence cases.
Litigation and Advocacy
Alice is skilled in representing clients in the Family Court, effectively advocating for their rights and interests. She appears regularly in Family Court, focusing on being a strong and effective advocate for her clients.
Settlement
While passionate about litigation, Alice also places significant emphasis on resolving disputes amicably through mediation and collaborative approaches. She aims to achieve fair and satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved, fostering resolution in a respectful manner.
Professional Background
Alice has a solid legal background, having gained valuable experience in private practice. She has worked in a boutique firm environment specialising in general private client work and at a medium-sized firm in South Auckland, where she sustained a busy practice of legally aided clients. Alice's greatest professional passion is Family Court litigation, particularly matters of evidence. She enjoys appearing in Court, where she is focused on being both an effective and robust advocate for her clients.
Commitment to Clients
Alice is dedicated to offering compassionate and personalised legal services. She understands the emotional and financial impact of family disputes and works diligently to support her clients throughout the legal process. Her goal is to empower individuals and families to navigate their legal challenges with confidence and clarity, providing the guidance needed to make informed decisions.
Memberships and Associations:
Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.
The New Zealand Law Society.
New Zealand Bar Association.
NZ Asian Lawyers.
Renée Rudd
LLB (Hons) / BCom
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Renée Rudd is an employed barrister working alongside Brintyn Smith, specialising in family law and related legal matters. With a unique background in both business and law, Renée is committed to providing specialist legal representation and guidance across a variety of family law issues.
Areas of Expertise
Family Law
Renée focuses on a broad range of family law matters, including relationship property disputes, parenting and guardianship, and family violence cases. She provides tailored legal solutions to meet the specific needs of her clients.
Litigation and Advocacy
Renée is an effective advocate for her clients, appearing in Family Court to represent their interests. Her background allows her to approach each case strategically, ensuring that her clients are well-represented throughout the litigation process.
Professional Background
Renée began her professional career as an accountant, earning a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting, Marketing, and Commercial Law in 2017. After gaining experience in the accounting field, Renée pursued her passion for law, completing a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). During her legal studies, she worked as a Law Clerk and later as a Solicitor at a medium-sized firm. She also spent three years clerking for a Senior Barrister, further honing her legal skills before joining Brintyn Smith Barristers.
Commitment to Clients
Renée is dedicated to offering compassionate and client-focused legal services. With her background, she understands the complexities clients face and works diligently to provide high-quality legal representation, guiding them through the legal process with confidence and clarity.
Memberships and Associations:
Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society.
The New Zealand Law Society.
VALUES
If you work with us, you can expect:
Compassion with clarity: We lead with empathy – but never lose sight of the legal path forward.
You will be heard: Every voice matters. We listen.
Expertise that empowers: With deep knowledge and practical insight, we help you make confident, informed decisions. We specialise in family law.
Kindness is strength: We practice law differently – with respect, humanity, and unwavering professionalism.
Resolving conflict, restoring dignity: We focus on outcomes that protect relationships, preserve dignity, and promote long-term wellbeing.
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The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.