Smith and Partners’ Commercial team supports businesses across Auckland and beyond with practical, commercially grounded advice.

Many of our clients have grown with us over decades, and our focus is on building long term relationships with business owners who value strategic guidance, full-service support and a team that understands the realities of running and growing a business.

A Team Built for Businesses with Ambition

Our commercial practice covers the full spectrum of business needs, including business sales and purchases, governance, succession planning, intellectual property, commercial property, regulatory compliance and commercial disputes. Because we are a full-service firm, clients benefit from seamless support across employment, trusts, estates, construction, dispute resolution and private client matters. This allows us to provide consistent, long-term advice that evolves with their needs.

Leadership Grounded in Real World Experience

The team is led by Bret Gower, whose background as a business owner gives him a unique understanding of the pressures and priorities facing modern businesses. He advises on commercial transactions, governance, succession strategy and long-term planning. Bret is known for balancing legal rigour with commercial clarity and for building enduring relationships with clients who value strategic, forward-looking advice.

Working with him is founder and Consultant Peter Smith, who brings more than 55 years of commercial law experience. Peter is highly regarded for his ability to identify commercial risk, simplify complex agreements and guide clients toward practical, durable solutions. His mediation skills are a significant asset to the team, helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and constructively. His open-door approach and commitment to mentoring underpin the collaborative culture within the team.

A Strong, Capable Team Behind Every Matter

Supporting Bret and Peter is a talented group of solicitors who bring breadth, depth and energy to the practice.

Chantal Laidler advises on business sales and purchases, shareholders’ agreements, terms and conditions and ongoing commercial compliance.

She is the team expert on settlements and takes an all-encompassing approach to transactions, ensuring clients understand the full picture and feel confident throughout the process.

Tam Irvine specialises in commercial disputes, contract negotiation and construction related issues.

He helps clients resolve conflicts early, manage risk and take a pragmatic, commercially realistic approach to problem solving. His work spans complex commercial contracts, property related conflicts and multi-party disputes.

Bethany Sweeney advises on leases, tenders, shareholders’ agreements, terms and conditions and a wide range of contractual matters.

Her background in employment law, marketing and HR gives her a strong understanding of the commercial realities behind business decisions, particularly for clients who are starting out or scaling up.

Jude Dragh works across commercial property, leases, business transactions and regulatory compliance.

She also has a strong intellectual property practice, managing trade mark applications, and enforcing or defending copyright and trade mark disputes through practical, outcome focused negotiation.

Kelly Carter is an experienced Legal Executive and Personal Assistant in the Commercial Team. 

She provides high‑level support across a broad range of commercial matters, working closely with both lawyers and clients.  In her PA role, she delivers day‑to‑day support to the entire team, proactively managing meetings and settlements and staying one step ahead of each day’s priorities.

Supporting Businesses as They Grow

Many of our clients have been with the firm for decades, and we continue to support them as their businesses expand, evolve and transition to new ownership or leadership. Succession planning is a foundation area of our practice, allowing us to work not only with business owners but also with their wider networks and future decision makers.

Our aim is simple. We provide responsive, commercially sound, forward-thinking advice that helps businesses grow with confidence.