A personalised and collaborative approach to protect your interests and secure your future.
About us
Sweetman Law is an integrated legal practice that specialises in all aspects of family, life, and future planning - including commercial and property. Our tailored and straightforward approach delivers specific strategies, workable solutions and smarter resolutions.
Located on the North Shore, Auckland, we are committed to our clients and our community, serving them for over 35 years.
Our Leadership
Tony Sweetman —
Director
e. tony@sweetmanlaw.co.nz | t. +64 9 347 2971
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Tony started his career in Te Awamutu and after 40 years is still passionate about his work. Tony has practiced on the North Shore for over 30 years working as a partner in the well-respected Takapuna firm Coupe Davidson Sweetman followed by McVeagh Fleming.
Tony went on to form Sweetman Law Limited in 2011 founded on the philosophy of providing quality and affordable legal advice. Tony’s strength is identifying clients’ legal issues and addressing these promptly and efficiently. He is acutely aware of the pressures facing his clients. Being one of the more experienced lawyers in Auckland, particularly, in the area of relationship law, whether in negotiating a pre-nuptial agreement (contracting out) or in assisting in the difficult and often challenging process of separation, Tony’s experience is invaluable in bringing about resolution in a cost-effective and pragmatic way.
Looking forward, Tony’s committed to leading and mentoring younger staff to ensure the Sweetman Law philosophy will continue for many years to come. When Tony is not in the office, he is often exploring new places to ride on his mountain bike with his wife Kay or enjoying time with his young grandchildren at the beach.
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Life Planning - Estate and Succession Planning including wills, enduring powers of attorneys and asset protection
Family Trusts
Family Law - Separation Relationship Property and Trust claims
Estate Administration and Probate Letters of Administration and Family Protection claims
Commercial and residential property - buying, selling, leasing
Company and Business Law - sale and purchase of businesses and shares in privately held companies, shareholder agreements
Enduring Powers of Attorney - appointment of Property Manager and Welfare Guardian
Elder Law
Casey Smith (formerly Casey Brooks) —
Director
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Casey Smith is an experienced general practitioner with a passion for property, business, and life planning. Casey built her legal practice since 2014 in boutique firms in Auckland’s CBD, Newmarket and the North Shore. Casey joined Tony in partnership on 28 July 2023, solidifying her commitment to Sweetman Law’s legacy of excellence and establishing a powerful team to serve the North Shore community.
Casey's diverse experience ranges from assisting "mum and dad" clients to working with innovative New Zealand businesses. Casey thrives on building personal connections with each individual client, ensuring that her advice is tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether it's guiding you through the sale and purchase of your home, supporting your business's growth, division, or sale, navigating complex leases, addressing employment matters, or providing compassionate guidance during times of loss of a loved one, Casey will be your reliable legal partner.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Casey enjoys spending time with her lively family of boys - her husband, Dave, their energetic son, Milo and their two playful fur babies, Winston (Samoyed) and Otto (Doberman). Casey enjoys soaking up the sun with friends and family, planning renovations to their Hillcrest home, and exploring Auckland's vibrant food scene.
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Commercial and residential property (conveyancing) - buying, selling, refinancing, ownership structuring and property sharing agreements
Property Law – leasing, subdivisions, development, property advice and dispute resolution, private funding arrangements for lenders and borrowers
Company and Business Law – sale and purchase of business assets, sale and purchase of shares, shareholder agreements, matters and disputes, succession planning and structuring, employment matters
Life Planning - Estate and Succession Planning, including wills, enduring power of attorney and asset protection
Family Trusts – formation, restructure and unwinding
Probate/Letters of Administration and Estate Administration
Elder Law – Occupation Right Agreements, Rest Home matters
Family Law – Separation and Contracting Out (pre-nup) Agreements
Our Team
Andrew Morris —
Senior Associate
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Andrew joined Sweetman Law in 2025 and brings a depth of family law experience that makes him a trusted advisor for clients navigating some of life's more challenging moments.
Before joining the team, Andrew spent four years at a leading private client firm in Auckland City, where he developed a strong focus on relationship property, separation, contracting out agreements, and estate planning. Prior to this, Andrew spent 10 years working in finance law, including seven years in London, an experience that broadened his perspective and strengthened his ability to navigate complex issues with practical, commercially grounded advice.
Andrew takes pride in making the law accessible. He believes that good legal advice shouldn't feel intimidating, and he works hard to ensure clients feel informed, supported, and confident in the decisions they're making. Whether you're planning ahead or dealing with an unexpected change in circumstances, Andrew offers calm, practical support you can trust.
When he’s not in the office, Andrew is often at the beach with his young family, making regular trips to the playground, or out walking the dog.
Ryan Hyde —
Senior Solicitor
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Ryan predominantly practices property and commercial law, where he handles the negotiations and transactions that keep his clients' projects moving forward. He also brings a practical, personal approach to his work in trust law and life planning, helping clients navigate the complexities of future-proofing their assets.
When he’s not in the office, Ryan is usually following the football or the cricket—though he’s the first to admit his optimism for next season often outweighs his team’s actual performance.
Brandon Prinsloo —
Solicitor
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Brandon works across a broad range of legal matters, assisting clients with matters including property transactions, trusts and estates, and general private client work. He is committed to providing clients with clear guidance on legal matters and ensuring they feel supported at every stage.
Outside of the office, Brandon enjoys going to the gym and staying active. Although he has hung up his boots, he remains involved in the rugby community by assisting with the junior club.
Denise Roux —
Senior Registered Legal Executive
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Denise has recently joined the team having spent the last 15 years in two other law firms in Takapuna. Denise qualified as a Registered Legal Executive in 2015.
Denise loves assisting her clients with their legal matters and strives to provide an efficient, cost effective, high quality service. She strives to build long term relationships with her clients, ensuring they have a positive experience and feel supported whilst navigating major legal milestones and life events such as purchasing their first home, estate planning or managing a loved one’s estate.
Denise relaxes by playing golf, exploring new hiking trails and spending quality time with her family and grandchildren.
Julia Hopkins —
Office Manager
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As the Office Manager, Julia ensures the smooth day‑to‑day operations of the firm, providing essential support across both administrative and client-facing functions. Known for her organisation, approachability, and commitment to keeping everything running efficiently, Julia is a key part of the team’s success.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending quality time with her 13‑year‑old son, getting lost in a good book, staying active at the gym, and catching up with friends.
Claudia Scott —
Solicitor
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In her role as law clerk, Claudia is the team’s go‑to support across a wide range of matters. She assists with legal research, drafting, and file management, while also keeping the office running smoothly through her efficient handling of day‑to‑day administrative tasks, making her an invaluable resource for the entire team.
Outside of work Claudia enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting outdoors, and convincing herself she’ll read more non-fiction.