Trust is high on the list of priorities when people are looking for a lawyer. But how can you trust someone if you don’t know them? At Aspiring Law, we pride ourselves on our friendly, approachable, ‘work hard, play hard’ team. We think you’ll like them too.

Since Janice Hughes and Mike Toepfer founded the practice in 2011, Aspiring Law has grown to become Wanaka’s leading legal practice with 18 lawyers and support staff. ‘Our team has a lot of different interests and areas of expertise but one thing they all have in common is a passion for providing practical and pragmatic legal advice without the waffle.’

What better way to get to know someone, than to ask them a few questions… here’s what we asked Danielle:

Where did you grow up: 

Christchurch

What’s the best piece of legal advice you can share?

Get everything you can in writing, dated and signed by the relevant parties - people will forget they agreed to things, change their minds and sometimes simply deny events after the fact. Human memory is fallible, but written, dated, signed documents are harder to refute.

What is the most important lesson you have learned on the job?

Honesty is (usually!) the best policy. If you make a mistake, coming clean about it early on means it can usually be remedied, instead of getting worse; if you have an issue with someone, talking it through with them honestly can reveal misunderstandings that can be overcome instead of exacerbated; and being honest shows you are trustworthy. It is “usually” the best policy, as being honest can be unnecessarily hurtful in certain situations, and it is also important to be kind!

What do you get up to when you’re not working?

I love a good quiz night, fishing with friends, hanging out with my family and skiing.

What’s your favourite spot in Wanaka?

I love Lavender Farm and all its critters!

Tell us something most people don’t know about you….

I love country music, cowboy boots and Dolly Parton...and one of my life goals is to meet a sloth.

Danielle specialises in Elder Law, Testamentary Law (Wills) and Trusts. Give her a call on 03 443 0900.