Telise Kelly Death – It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of our dear colleagues, Telise Kelly who was a Senior Associate in our Litigation team. Telise passed away on 18 April 2023 as a result of a tragic accident that occurred minutes before she was due to appear in the North Shore District Court. This has left our entire firm at Martelli McKegg in shock and we are all in a state of mourning.
About Telise Kelly
Telise was not just one of the brightest lights in her generation, but also one of the brightest stars in the legal profession. Telise was full of heart and courage, and her colleagues admired her for the passion and competence she brought to the lawsuits she undertook. Telise was a great leader in our company, and she was on her way to becoming the next litigation partner at Martelli McKegg. Telise handled litigation in a variety of civil areas, with a focus on Trust, Estate, and Relationship Property law.
Telise was passionate about everything she did, and this carried over into her legal business. She had an impact on every member of the Martelli McKegg team. Her presence, leadership, and support will be much missed, particularly by the litigation team. Telise’s star was rising rapidly after only 8 years in practice; she possessed all of the characteristics of a leader not only in our company, but in her practice area, and the legal profession as a whole.
Telise studied law and accounting at Auckland University before being enrolled as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court in 2015. Telise joined Martelli McKegg in 2019 after working in a boutique law practice and with senior relationship property and trust law Barrister.
Telise has undertaken extensive litigation, mostly in the Family Court and High Court, since January 2019 and is well-regarded by senior members of the profession and the judiciary. Telise was a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional association for trust and estate practitioners, and has been designated as a ‘TEP’ by STEP due to her expertise and understanding in this field. Telise has donated her time to the profession, notably as a member of the ADLS Family Law Committee, and was recently elected to the ADLS Council, a position she is extremely delighted to have. Telise was a member of the Auckland Women Lawyers’ Association and the Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS). Telise was asked to present seminars for other professionals on important topics in the field of trusts, estates, and relationship property, such as Legalwise, ADLS, and NZLS CLE.
Telise hailed from the coastal Far North and was very proud of her heritage. We believe she was one of their finest exports.
We wish to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to Telise’s beloved husband Tim, her parents and wider whanau – as well as the whanau of friends she chose. Our hearts go out to you all and we stand with you at this difficult time. We also wish to acknowledge first responders, those members of the public and profession at the scene as well as the judges, staff and lawyers from the North Shore District Court. You have all shown incredible kindness and understanding.
We thank all of those firms, Barristers, members of the Judiciary and clients who have reached out to us and we wish to thank the New Zealand Law Society, Auckland District Law Society, and the Meritas network for their immediate support and assistance over these last two days. We also acknowledge those clients affected by this sad event and thank you for your support.
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