ABOUT
ABOUT
The Team
Welcome
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 - 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:
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
Ange - Employee
Pravina Singh
Experienced Senior Associate
I have a BA (Public Policy) / LLB (Hons) from the Victoria University of Wellington. And yes, I still support the Hurricanes!
I was admitted to the Bar in 2001, and I am a seasoned legal practitioner with over 23 years' experience in a wide range of legal fields, including as a Senior Crown Counsel/Prosecutor. I was the Chief Legal Counsel on the legal team of a government department, a panel appointee as Counsel to Assist on a Royal Commission of Inquiry, and I currently hold positions in statutory decision-making roles.
I joined Helen’s team after spending a number of years as an Employment Mediator with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. I have represented many employees and employers in a range of employment disputes, including on a pro bono basis. I am passionate about seeing both employees and employers resolve their employment relationship matters efficiently, effectively, pragmatically and in a mutually mana-enhancing way.
I appreciate that any dispute takes away the peace, resources, and time of those involved; and so, I receive great personal and professional fulfilment when I can assist parties to expeditiously reach a final outcome that allows them to move forward in a constructive manner.
I can be counted on to listen, respect and strategise according to clients’ unique circumstances, and desired outcomes. Outside of work, I’m actively involved in the community and my church; I am sincerely motivated by a genuine desire to help those in need with integrity and respect.
I look forward to working with you in the future!
Diana D'silva
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.
Susana Salusalu
Employed Barrister
susana@hgilbert.co.nz
M: 021 284 6678
Susana Salusalu
Specialising in Personal Grievances and Employment Agreements
I am passionate about helping people by empowering them with knowledge and understanding of their employment rights and entitlements.
Navigating the way through employment issues can be a challenge for businesses, and extremely stressful for employees. It is concerning to me that so many New Zealanders are unaware of their employment rights.
My strengths include an ability to come along side people, and to give them confidence as they journey through their employment process.
I am a wife and mother of 5 young children. I had my youngest child while I was in my second year of law school, so I know how to deal with stress. I was raised in both the Tongan and New Zealand cultures, which gives me a unique understanding of the dynamics of both.
In 2021, I completed my law degree, and I am committed to staying up to date with the latest legal changes and developments, and I will bring a fresh perspective to the field of employment law. I have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of New Zealand law.
My areas of expertise include helping employee clients to raise personal grievances and dealing with a wide array of employment disputes, drafting and preparing documents for filing in the Employment Relations Authority, and filing complaints with the Human Rights Commission. I also regularly review and update current employment agreement templates for our employer clients; writing up privacy policies as well as updating and writing up new policies and codes of conduct, to ensure compliance with current employment law.
Please give me a call to talk through any employment concerns you have.
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.
Arabella Cameron
Law Clerk
pa@hgilbert.co.nz
Meet our Law Clerk
Arabella Cameron
I am a fifth-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts Conjoint student studying at the University of Auckland.
Throughout my degree, I have been increasingly interested in the area of employment law. I am specifically interested in how it seeks to balance and protect the rights of employees and employers, evolves in response to societal changes, and intersects with additional areas of law to create complex, and nuanced issues.
Since starting with Helen Gilbert Employment Lawyers in November 2022, I have had the privilege of applying this interest to practice and have gained a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of employment law.
As a Law Clerk for the firm, my role has encompassed many areas, including:
- Conducting legal research by analysing case law, statutes, and regulations relevant to current client problems and creating legal opinions based on this research.
- Assisting with the preparation for mediations, client meetings, and authority hearings, organising client files and reviewing and editing documents.
- Assisting in drafting letters on behalf clients based on my legal research.- Drafting articles on current employment law issues for the firm’s website, including the impact of employment law post-election, the implications of the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act 2023, and the potential for the Employment Relations (Restraint of Trade) Amendment Bill to shape the law.
- Providing legal administrative support including scanning, filing, and archiving documents.
I look forward to continuing my ongoing training and 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.
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