MEET LOUISA
Louisa Jackson,
Family Law Barrister
Louisa is a specialist family lawyer with over a decade of legal experience. She is known for her smart, strategic, and solutions-focused approach, helping clients resolve family law matters with clarity and care.
Louisa is detailed, thorough, and unflinching. She has a particular interest in complex cases, and has a network of allied professionals to offer a multidisciplinary approach where required.
Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, Louisa works to ensure her clients feel heard, receive practical advice, and find the best path forward.
Experience
Prior to becoming a family law barrister, Louisa was an associate at a specialist family law firm in Wellington and Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office. She is an experienced litigator who has regularly appeared in the Family Court and High Court, drawing on this experience to provide strategic advice across all areas of family law.
Louisa takes a keen interest in the law and legal developments, and has published articles on relationship property, child protection, and mental health issues. She regularly participates in relevant seminars and conferences to keep up to date.
Approach
Louisa understands the challenges presented by family conflict and is empathetic and clear-headed in her work. She aims to resolve matters out of Court wherever possible, using negotiation and mediation. If litigation is required, Louisa is an able advocate for her clients’ interests in Court.
Louisa recognises that cost is a major concern for people engaging a lawyer. She works with clients to ensure fees are fair, transparent, and understood in advance. She also represents clients who are eligible for legal aid.
Recent cases
McHugh v McHugh [2022] NZHC 1174(appeal of a special guardianship decision to the High Court)
MC v Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki [2024] NZHC 1322 (appeal of a sole guardianship decision to the High Court)
Fyre v Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki [2022] NZHC 2976 (appeal of a decision declining the discharge of orders under the Oranga Tamariki Act to the High Court)
Edward v Family Court and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki [2023] NZHC 161 (judicial review of a Family Court decision, successfully struck out for abuse of process)
Qualifications and Appointments
First-class Honours degree in Law
Bachelor’s degree in Social Policy
Lawyer to Assist the Court (appointed)
Costs assessor, New Zealand Law Society
Memberships and Awards
Member, Kate Sheppard Chambers
Member, Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society
Member, New Zealand Bar Association
Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Robert Orr McGechan Memorial Prize, 2012
VicBooks Award for Best Tutor, 2013
Dean’s List for Academic Excellence, 2013, 2012, 2011
Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association Scholarship, 2013
Publications
Compulsory treatment in mental health: preventing unlawful detention [2015] NZLJ 76
Child Abuse Intervention: Reporting Protocols in the New Zealand Health Sector (2013) 44 VUWLR 17
Compensation for student loan repayments in the division of relationship property: the role of s 20E of the P(R)A (2025) 26 Family Advocate 26
How Louisa works with you
1
Listen and Understand
In a private consultation, Louisa takes time to hear your story, answer questions, and identify your priorities.
2
Advise and Plan
Louisa explains your options in plain language and develops a clear, practical strategy tailored to your situation.
3
Act and Resolve
Louisa manages the legal process with expertise, keeping you informed and supported until everything is resolved.
Get the guidance you need. Louisa provides expert family law advice with empathy and clarity. Contact her today for a confidential consultation.
Specialist Family Lawyer. Based in Wellington, working with clients throughout New Zealand.
