Holly C front

Qualifications

LLB (Canterbury)

BA (Media and Communications) (Canterbury)

Alternative contact

Jess front

Jess Craighead

Holly is a Senior Associate in our dispute resolution team.

Holly’s role includes giving advice to clients on their specific dispute to navigate the best option for them. This may include negotiations, attending a mediation or filing court proceedings.

Prior to joining Cavell Leitch, Holly worked in the insolvency team at a national accounting firm for five years. Working in this space included work for most of the major banks in New Zealand and work across a range of industries including agriculture, construction, hospitality and commercial property.

Holly enjoys the fast-paced nature of disputes resolution and likes to get the best and most practical outcome for clients in a difficult situation.

"I understand that litigation and insolvency are not matters that our clients necessarily want to be involved in. I aim to get the best result for my clients while making them feel comfortable to navigate through what can be an unfamiliar process. I like to set a strategy, provide regular updates and ensure there are no surprises for our clients."


Building on her insolvency background Holly is currently a committee member of NZCFI (the New Zealand Credit & Finance Institute) and WIRI (Women in Restructuring and Insolvency). Holly enjoys the networking and upskilling opportunities that these roles involve.

Holly is also a member of Ritanz (Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Associate New Zealand).

In 2020 Holly was appointed to the Board of Swimming Canterbury West Coast. She enjoys using her professional experience to contribute to a sport she is passionate about while developing her own governance experience.

Holly Cassin NZ Lawyer Rising Star 2024

Holly Cassin was named one of NZ Lawyers' Rising Stars for 2024, recognising New Zealand's top young lawyers that are defining the future of the legal profession.

Rising Star winner profile
CL MG 7563

"Holly stepped in and helped us navigate the difficult waters of EQC and Insurance after damage to our home from the Christchurch earthquakes. This work was completed nearly ten years after the event, and after us battling away by ourselves for eight years. We should have called on her earlier. Holly immediately stepped in and it was smooth sailing from then on.  She had a very clear and professional way of dealing with the agencies, and she brought about results. I had complete faith in her ability and she relieved considerable stress for our family."

Dr Jennifer Brown

Recent work

  • Advising receivers on PPSR disputes and issues in formal insolvencies;
  • Acting for an Australian listed company for its New Zealand based debt collection;
  • Acting for home owners in relation to Earthquake insurance claims including High Court proceedings and mediations and negotiating settlements;
  • Assisting landlords and other creditors in relation to debt recovery including court proceedings (liquidation/bankruptcy/summary judgment).
CL MG 7721

We would like to thank Holly and the team at Cavell Leitch for guiding us through the complexities of an insurance dispute. Their knowledge and experience were invaluable in an area that was very unfamiliar to us. At all times we felt that we were given all the options to make our decisions and move forward to a conclusion.

Michael and Gael

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