At Apogee Legal, you’ve got a team of legal experts behind you. We work collaboratively and keep each other informed, so that someone will always be able to help you out.
Collectively our people have a huge amount of legal experience. We’re also business owners, in farming, parents, board members and much more!
Ready to meet us?
CAROLYN COOPER
DIRECTOR
Hi, I’m Carolyn Cooper, the Director and owner of Apogee Legal.
I established Apogee Legal with a vision to create a fresh approach to legal services where the focus is on what clients want to achieve. I believe that using a holistic, personalised approach has greater benefits for our clients and their businesses. I enjoy getting to know our clients and being part of their journey.
I’m passionate about the growth and development of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. I enjoy my role as a Board member with the EBOP Chamber of Commerce, providing support to businesses, encouraging local connections and inspiring people to achieve success. Throughout my legal career and as a business owner myself, I understand the benefits that come from working together to solve problems and the value of good working relationships.
I grew up in South Auckland and completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Sciences at the University of Waikato. I started my legal career working for a large commercial law firm in Christchurch advising on civil, commercial and trust litigation. From there it was on to London where I worked for one of the largest law firms in the world and then for the government lawyers advising the Attorney General on trust and charity litigation. I have many fond memories of my time abroad.
On our return from London, my husband Glenn and I moved to Ohope to enjoy the kiwi beach lifestyle year-round. I worked in law firms in Rotorua and in Whakatane before setting up Apogee Legal in 2019. We have two children at Ohope Beach School, Addison & Quinn. My favourite days include walking the trails with friends, exploring NZ with our kids, and relaxing in the good company of family and friends.
GENNA BARR
SENIOR LAWYER
Kia Ora I’m Genna Barr.
My professional background is not the norm for a lawyer! I’ve worked in law, commercial banking and also help manage a 400-cow lease farm operation with my husband Matt. These experiences especially have given me a close understanding of the needs of our business and rural clients, in particular a strong understanding of what lenders require, helping make transactions run as smoothly as possible. At Apogee Legal our culture is flexible, friendly and always puts the client front and centre.
I grew up on a lifestyle block in Taneatua and am proud to call Eastern Bay home. I gained my law degree at the University of Otago, returning to start my career locally in Whakatāne law firms. Helping the rural community and farming sector thrive is a passion of mine. In 2019, Matt and I won the BOP Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year, a programme which provides opportunities for local farmers to learn, connect and grow. We gained a huge amount from the experience and are now Regional Managers for the programme this year.
When I’m not in the office or on the farm, you’ll find me working up a sweat with the Whakatāne CrossFit crew and spending time with whānau.
VICKI MURRAY
LEGAL EXECUTIVE
Hi, I’m Vicki Murray. I’m a Whakatāne local with over 20 years’ legal experience behind me. The key areas I look after here at Apogee Legal include residential conveyancing, refinancing and estate administration.
At Apogee Legal we break down the legal process into steps that make it easier to understand, and then take that time to go through these with you. First Home Grant and KiwiSaver applications can be daunting, and I’m able to guide people through this process and get it completed as efficiently as possible.
I really enjoy getting to know our clients, their families and businesses. Our team work together, so there’s always someone able to help with your query.
Outside of work, my husband and I have two busy teenagers so you’ll often find me trackside while they are racing ministocks, or on the shore of a beach/lake while my daughter is open water swimming. I also enjoy keeping fit, running and catching up over a coffee with friends.
KAREN SEARLE
Hi I’m Karen Searle. I provide administrative support to our law team and generally make sure our office runs like a well-oiled machine. I have extensive legal administrative experience having worked in a large law firm in Auckland and firms in Gisborne and London.
We have a great atmosphere in our office, we work hard but certainly have a few laughs along the way. I am married to William and we have 17-year old-twins Sam and Laura.