The current Partners of Bell & Graham are Peter Hall and Ben McCorkindale.
Peter Hall, LLB
Partner
Peter completed his law degree and professional qualifications at the University of Otago in 1980. He has been with the firm since commencing work in 1981 and became a partner in 1987.
He has extensive experience and specialises in:
- Rural, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing
- Estate & Asset Planning
- Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Wills
Outside of work, Peter enjoys Golf, Fishing, Skiing, Cycling and spending time at the Beach.
Benjamin McCorkindale
Partner
Ben joined Bell & Graham in 2013 after moving north from a law firm on the Kapiti Coast. Ben completed his law degree at Victoria University in 2006. He became a Partner of the firm in 2020.
He has expertise in a variety of areas including:
- Commercial and Residential Conveyancing
- Family Law (including Relationship Property)
- Elder Law
- Commercial and Company Law
- Estate & Asset Planning
- Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Wills
- Criminal proceedings
Ben believes that offering access to justice is really important and something that Bell & Graham sees as a priority for the community.
In his spare time, Ben is occupied with entertaining his three young children and trying to remain involved with sports of all varieties.
Richard Smith
Solicitor & Mediator, LLB, AAMINZ
Richard joined Bell & Graham in November 2018 and has been an employed solicitor during that period. In recent times he has been approved to practise on his own account and now operates as a solicitor contracting to Bell & Graham.
Richard specialises in:
- Rural Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment Law
Jacki Andrew
Registered Legal Executive
Jacki joined Bell & Graham in October 1995. She is a Registered Legal Executive and Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives.
She loves helping her clients into a new home and watching them progress from their first home to the next, seeing their families grow and themselves progress in time. She also enjoys helping families deal with their loved one’s deceased estate and help them resolve any issues along the way.
Jacki has a wide range of experience and specialises in:
- Residential & Commercial Conveyancing
- Estates
- Wills & Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Refinancing
- Subdivisions
In her spare time, Jacki enjoys spending time with family, attending the Gym, Fishing, Traveling, Gardening, time at the Beach, Reading and World Events.
Amy Laidler
Registered Legal Executive & Trust Accountant
Amy became part of the Bell & Graham team in January 2006 as the firm’s receptionist, fresh from school. From there she completed her Legal Executive Diploma and also the Trust Account Administrator course.
She gains satisfaction from helping clients achieve their property goals. Her aim is to create an enjoyable, stress-free process from beginning to end.
Amy’s areas of expertise include:
- Residential Conveyancing
- Subdivisions
- Refinancing
- Wills
- Estate Administration
- Trust Account Administrative work
Outside of work, Amy is a big fan of renovations of all kinds, always tinkering and planning something. Amy loves to get out in nature, walking, the beach, enjoying a good wine and the lifestyle we are lucky to have here in the Waikato.
Angela Blair
Registered Legal Executive
Angela joined Bell & Graham in June 2016 after moving down south from a Law Firm in Auckland. She completed her Legal Executive Diploma in 2015.
She enjoys assisting clients when they’re buying and selling residential properties and making the process as seamless as possible. She particularly enjoys working with first time buyers.
Angela’s areas of expertise include:
- Residential Conveyancing
- Subdivisions
- Refinancing
- Wills
- Estate Administration
In her spare time, Angela enjoys reading, spending time with family, making memories with her young son and catching up with friends over a glass of wine.
The Firm is also supported by several Secretaries and Support Staff:
Denise Orr
Legal Secretary
Joanne Belton
Legal Secretary
Amber Edlington
Legal Secretary & Receptionist
Cassy Young
Chrissy Millar
Office Manager
Our History
Bell & Graham originated from the legal practice commenced by Mr Basil Bell in 1935 from premises situated upstairs at 44 Arawa Street in Matamata.
Mr Bell was joined by Mr Jack O’Brien as a solicitor in the early 1950’s and together they formed the partnership of Bell & O’Brien in 1953.
Ted Graham joined the firm in 1963 and following Jack O’Brien’s departure from the firm, it was renamed Bell & Graham in 1964 before moving to premises upstairs at 47 Arawa Street, Matamata.
Graham Miller joined the firm in April 1972 and was later joined by Peter Hall in January 1981. Both became partners in due course.
In 2001 the firm relocated again, this time to 58 Broadway, Matamata where they remain today.
The latest appointment to the Partnership was Ben McCorkindale in 2020 just prior to the retirement of Graham Miller.