Welcome to our new lawyer, Genna Barr
Nov 12, 2020
We’d like to introduce our newest recruit, senior lawyer Genna Barr.
This is not going to be your usual “welcome to the firm” introduction. But Genna is not your typical lawyer - and we think that’s a very good thing.
Genna joins us from Awakeri where she’s spent the last year learning the ropes, raising calves, and generally immersing herself in the business of running a farm with her husband Matt, a 4th generation dairy farmer.
Genna (Ngati Rangiwewehi) grew up on a lifestyle block in Taneatua, wedged between her grandparents and uncle’s farms. Rural life is in her blood and helping the rural community and farming sector thrive is a passion. Today she and Matt run a 400-cow lease farm dairy operation.
In 2019, the hard-working couple were winners of the Share Farmer of the Year BOP Dairy Industry Awards. Inspired by their own experience, Genna and Matt are now giving back as Regional Managers for the awards, which provide opportunities for local farmers to learn, connect and grow.
Sadly for those 400 cows, but happily for us, the offer to join the team at Apogee Legal has brought her back into town.
“At Apogee Legal we’re breaking the mold of what a professional law firm should look and feel like,” says Genna. “Our culture is flexible, friendly and always puts the client and their goals at the centre.”
“With us you’re getting a whole law team behind you, not just a lawyer. We have a collaborative approach to work, which is really efficient and means someone here can always help you.”
Lawyer, farmer…but we’re not done yet. Genna is also an experienced credit analyst and relationship manager, having spent half her career in the banking sector.
Her most recent banking role was as Senior Associate in Corporate Banking at BNZ Tauranga. Here she was part of a team that managed lending and transactions between $10m and $100m for clients in post-harvest kiwifruit & horticulture, timber, manufacturing, transport and logistics across the Bay of Plenty.
“My commercial banking and legal roles complement each other. It means I have that inside knowledge of what each partner requires from the other, so I can help clients effectively navigate their way through transactions,” she explains.
She also has a broad range of legal experience gained at Whakatane firms, including family law litigation, property, and commercial transactions.
When Genna is not in the office or on the farm, you’ll find her at the gym, where she’s an avid member of the Whakatane CrossFit whanau (in case any of you were thinking of challenging her to an arm wrestle) and spending time with her family.
Welcome Genna, we’re happy to have you join us.