Our people.
Richard Smith
DIRECTOR
Richard brings over 30 years of experience across the farming, meat, and stock industries, along with extensive expertise in legal consulting, arbitration, mediation, and litigation. He is especially well regarded for his work with turnaround businesses in both rural and commercial sectors.
As one of the original mediators appointed to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Farm Debt Mediation Panel, Richard has acted as both mediator and legal counsel for farmers throughout New Zealand. His practical, industry-informed approach makes him a trusted advisor for clients facing complex commercial and rural challenges.
Email: richard.smith@rjs.co.nz
Mobile: 027 493 9064
Kozett Guise
DIRECTOR
Kozett brings vast experience from the manufacturing and meat industries, which integrates with her legal experience in property, commercial, succession and estate planning, rural and commercial matters.
Advising on property and commercial transactions, lending, family succession, trusts and estate planning. Her interest in rural law is supported by her upbringing on the family farm, studies in environmental, water, and climate change law. The practical on farm experience and legal knowledge equip her in assisting clients with complex personal, agricultural and business issues.
Email: kozett@rjs.co.nz
Mobile: 027 535 4565
Sue Garmonsway
DIRECTOR
Sue joined the firm in February 2026 and brings over 20 years legal experience in the rural property sector. She has experience in all aspects of rural property transactions, including buying and selling property, rural leasing and succession planning. Sue has a particular passion for estate planning and rural succession issues and brings a practical approach to legal problems. She is well known to clients across the Waipa and King Country regions having previously been a Director of Gallie Miles.
In her spare time Sue sits on the Board of Trustees for Sacred Heart Girls College in Hamilton and is an active trustee of the Otorohanga District Development Board and the North King Country Development Trust.
Email: sue@rjs.co.nz
Mobile: 021 2481220
Kathryn Adams
SENIOR SOLICITOR
Kathryn brings a wealth of experience in both private practice and the non-profit sector. Previously practising in Wellington, specialising in Family and Criminal Law, before working as in-house counsel for Child Matters in Hamilton.
Kathryn assists clients across a wide range of legal matters, with particular expertise in family law, care of children and relationship property.
If you require legal representation in Kathryn’s areas of expertise, do not hesitate to contact us.
Email: kathryn@rjs.co.nz
Abby Van De Ven
SOLICITOR
Abby works across a broad range of legal matters, including property, wills, enduring powers of attorney, trusts, estates, and relationship property. She brings a practical, considered and client-focused approach to her work.
Prior to practice she worked in public policy, having worked as a Senior Policy Advisor in the horticulture and education sectors. She also has experience in the charitable sector, with a focus on governance and community initiatives.
Abby grew up in the Waikato and enjoys working with clients across the region. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, staying active and spending time with whānau and friends.
Email: abby@rjs.co.nz
Jenna Varley
LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Jenna began her career working in a law firm shortly after leaving school where she first developed an interest in the legal profession. She later headed over to Australia, working as an underground miner and gaining valuable Health and Safety qualifications.
In 2022 Jenna returned to the Waikato and rediscovered her passion for law, going on to complete her legal studies. Now a Registered Legal Executive specialising in conveyancing, Jenna is dedicated to making property transactions simple, clear, and as stress-free as possible.
She works across both residential and commercial matters, supporting clients from the initial stages right through to settlement with a strong focus on clear communication, precision, and efficiency.
Friendly, practical, and detail-driven, Jenna ensures her clients feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
Email: jenna@rjs.co.nz
Susan Christopher
Legal PA
Susan brings extensive experience in operational coordination, having supported a range of fast‑paced environments. She has developed strong skills in organisation, communication, and workflow management, with a focus on ensuring smooth and efficient day‑to‑day operations.
Joining the firm in February 2026 as Personal Assistant to Richard Smith. In this role, she assists with a wide range of administrative and organisational tasks and is developing her understanding of legal processes in our team.
Email: susan@rjs.co.nz