About

We are experts in all areas of employment law, so we understand the complexities of this area of law well. Whether you are an employer or an employee, there can be challenges navigating employment issues. Our goal is to ensure you are given timely and accurate advice, in a way that is easy to understand and cost-effective.

The lawyers working in this firm are very experienced, with Helen as the Principal, having over 30 years in practice, and Pravina, a Senior Associate with over 25 years of experience in employment law, as well as an experienced former MBIE mediator.

With a team of lawyers from different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience, we can tailor our professional services across various client requirements and budgets.

If you need advice with any employment issue, please give us a call as we are sure we can help.

Principal - Barrister

Principal - Senior and Experienced

Helen Gilbert

Over the years I have acted as legal counsel for an expansive range of employer & employee clients, from very large public and private organisations, all the way down to new entry junior employees. Given my 30+ years’ experience, there are very few issues that I have not previously encountered.

Employment Law is one of my passions, and I love finding creative approaches to complex problems. My experience includes assistance with raising personal grievances and responding to grievances; restructuring/redundancy (for both employer and employee clients); conducting independent investigations for a wide variety of organisations (aided by my past criminal prosecution experience in dealing with conflicting evidence); assisting clients instigating investigations or those who are the subject of the investigation; restraint of trade issues (including having recently presented a restraint paper for the Auckland District Law Society); Mediations and Employment Authority and Court proceedings; Privacy Act and Human Rights complaint issues; Education Council issues; negotiating settlements and exits and tailor-making employment agreements and policies for employer clients, and reviewing employment agreements for employees.

In recent times, our team has been heavily involved in issues relating to mandatory vaccinations, including issuing legal proceedings for a large group challenging the validity of their employer’s mandatory vaccination and Covid-19 policy.

The majority of employment related disputes are resolved in mediation, as this is usually the fastest and most cost-effective method for addressing problems for both parties. However, I also have the experience to know when negotiation is no longer feasible or advisable, and with significant Court experience behind me (including well over 50 jury trials and a significant number of High Court appeals), I can ably and confidently represent your case; and if the truth were to be told, Court litigation is something I really enjoy.

For those who need details – here’s a quick summary:

Qualified Otago University 1991, LLB (Hons)
Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor High Court of NZ, 1991
Called to the Bar of England & Wales, 1995
Worked as a UK Barrister
Senior Crown Prosecutor (Meredith Connell)
Senior Associate (Kensington Swan)
Barrister since 2006
Member of Auckland Employment Law Committee
Presenter at ADLS (TLANZ) conferences
Member of Auckland Christian Lawyers Association

I appreciate that selecting the best person to provide sound employment advice can be challenging, so feel free to call me for an initial 15 minute chat, free of charge.

We have been using Helen for employment guidance since 2018. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is professional to deal with. Working with Helen has given us the confidence to build up our internal framework and address issues as they arise.

Hustle Labour Hire & Collective Contractors

When I made the bold decision to pursue a personal grievance employment matter, I truly believed that it was to be the start of a very long 'David and Goliath' legal battle against my ex-employer, and I was thus told by many to make sure I choose a 'bulldog' Lawyer, which was my full intention. Well that was until I had a phone discussion with Helen who was the complete opposite of that; she was calm, she listened, she understood, she was genuinely empathetic and interested to hear my story; and finally, Helen knew the law, inside and out. It was solely because of Helen's expertise and genuine understanding of my case, that her skills shone through at my mediation, along with how she was able to articulate my case with such ease and clarity, that resulted in a settlement being agreed to on the same day. There was no long battle through the court, and for that, I have only got Helen to thank for the seamless and extremely professional approach throughout the process. A standout for me was how Helen's calm and professional demeanor enabled me to cope well during the mediation process. I cannot recommend Helen highly enough, she was my saving grace through a process that I never believed would end in such a successful way. Thank you Helen

Our Newest Associate with Extensive Mediation Service Experience

As an employment lawyer, I am dedicated to guiding both employees and employers through the often complex and emotionally charged landscape of workplace law. My practice is built on a deep understanding of the legal, practical, and human elements involved in employment relationships and a strong commitment to helping my clients achieve outcomes that are fair, reasonable, and sustainable. Over this past year, I have continued to support a wide range of clients in navigating critical employment issues.

For employees, I provide clear, strategic advice on matters such as workplace investigations, disciplinary procedures, unfair performance improvement plans, redundancy, employment relationship breakdowns, disputes over holiday pay, and sudden or unilateral changes to employment terms. I represent clients at mediation, attend meetings with their employers, and offer support in matters involving the Labour Inspectorate, always ensuring their voice is heard and their rights are protected.

For employer clients, I offer practical and proactive legal support. This includes drafting robust and tailored employment agreements, designing clear workplace policies, and providing step-by-step guidance during restructures, disciplinary processes, and internal investigations. My goal is to ensure employers meet their legal obligations while fostering a fair, respectful, and compliant workplace culture.

Clients often come to me at highly stressful points in their professional lives. I’m proud to be someone they find approachable, trustworthy, and easy to deal with. I take the time to understand each client's unique situation and work in partnership with them to find a clear path forward. My approach is always solutions-focused, I don’t just point out the legal risks; I work alongside you to find a practical, well-balanced resolution that addresses the root of the issue and avoids unnecessary escalation.

With a background in dispute resolution from my time at MBIE - Employment Mediation Services, I bring a wealth of experience dealing with complex legal problems and emotionally sensitive situations. I’ve worked with applicants, respondents, legal representatives, and regulators, experience that has sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me how to resolve conflict in a constructive and timely manner.

Originally from Mumbai, I moved to New Zealand in 2016 to pursue studies in Law and Business. As a student working part-time, I experienced first-hand the challenges many migrants face in the workplace - from unclear expectations to unfamiliar legal systems. This has given me a strong sense of purpose in my work today: to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to stand up for their rights, and to help employers create fair, informed, and inclusive workplaces.

Whether you’re an employee seeking guidance during a difficult time, or an employer looking to manage risk and build confidence in your processes, I’m here to help. You can rely on me for legal clarity, sound judgment, and a down-to-earth, supportive approach that puts people first.

Let’s work together to find a resolution that works for you. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your situation, I’d be happy to help.

Specialising in Personal Grievances and Employment Agreements

As a lawyer at Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers, I act for both employees and employers on a wide range of workplace issues, including personal grievances, disciplinary and performance processes, restructures, and compliance with statutory obligations. I have always been drawn to employment law because work plays such a significant role in people’s day-to-day lives, whether they are running a business or working within one. I am motivated by helping clients navigate employment issues in a way that is clear, practical, and solution-focused.

My experience spans a broad cross-section of the employment law landscape. Before joining Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers, I interned at a boutique employment law firm and worked as a union advocate in the healthcare sector. In those roles, I gained substantial experience drafting personal grievances across a range of issues, preparing for mediations and supporting the resolution of complex employment disputes. I was also involved in bargaining collective agreements in the public sector with a total value of up to $40 million, and I managed the Medical Imaging Technologist branch of the union. That work involved responding to member queries, interpreting collective agreement provisions, and ensuring employer compliance with agreed terms. These experiences have given me a strong grounding in both employee and employer issues and have reinforced my view that the best outcomes are achieved through pragmatism, clarity and a constructive approach.

I pride myself on being approachable and easy to work with, and on building strong, trusted relationships with clients. My aim is to provide clear, grounded advice that helps clients understand their rights, obligations, and options. I work to create a supportive environment in which clients feel heard, understood, and well placed to make informed decisions, even in challenging or stressful workplace situations.

If you need support with any employment matter, please feel free to get in touch.

Meet our Business Manager

Stef Anstey

I have had the pleasure of being the Business Manager at Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers since 2020. After I finished school, I studied for my diploma in Business Management while working full time. Originally born and raised in South Africa, I immigrated to New Zealand with my family in 2016.

I have worked in different industries including IT, recruitment, insurance, software, and telecommunications. Each of these has given me experience that I now apply every day to understanding the various needs and requirements of our clients. Before working for Helen Gilbert, I took some time away from my career to start a family with my wonderful husband, and I now work part-time to allow me to spend time with my two beautiful daughters.

Receiving the opportunity to join Helen Gilbert and help run her practice as the business has grown has been very exciting for me. I have always been intrigued by law and wanted to learn more within the ever-changing legal sector. Connecting with and helping people is a passion of mine, so I’m always happy to help with any queries that arise during the sometimes-stressful process of addressing employment issues.

My role involves managing the day-to-day running of the practice and administrative staff. I am involved with business development, managing clients’ enquiries, and providing legal administrative support to both Helen and the team, together with overseeing all of the business invoices and accounts.

Please feel free to contact me if you needed any assistance.

Meet our Law Graduate

Arabella Cameron

I am a Law Graduate with a passion for employment law, and a commitment to assisting both employers and employees navigate employment disputes.

I graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts Conjoint in 2025.

Throughout my degree, I developed a keen interest in employment law, particularly in how it balances and protects the rights of both employees and employers, adapts to societal change, and intersects with other areas of law to create nuanced issues.

When I joined Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers in November 2022 as a Law Clerk, I had the privilege of applying this interest in practice.

Over the past three years as a Law Clerk at the firm, my role included conducting legal research on case law, legislation, and regulations to support client matters and prepare legal opinions, assisted with preparation for mediations, client meetings, and authority hearings, drafted correspondence on behalf of clients, and assisted in the drafting of personal grievances and without prejudice letters. I also attended several medications and Authority hearings. Through this role, I developed a comprehensive understanding of employment law and the complexities that both employees and employers experience.

As a Law Graduate at the firm, I work with a range of clients on employment matters. I have assisted employees through restructuring and redundancy processes and have also supported employers with drafting restructure proposals.

I have also been involved in settlement negotiations across a range of employment issues, including medical incapacity, parental leave, and discrimination claims, as well as reviewing individual employment agreements.

I am being admitted to the bar later this year, in early May 2026. I look forward to continuing my professional development at Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers, and I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to the success of our clients and the firm.

We look forward to speaking with you.

Rest assured, a convincing yet balanced presentation of your case can make a significant difference to the view the other side takes of your claim.

A considerable portion of our time is spent in mediations for clients, and a considered approach can impact significantly on the likely sums involved in any settlement.