We are a cross-jurisdictional consultancy providing a range of legal services for New Zealand businesses looking to expand and grow in the USA

You need tenacity to enter the US market.

As Kiwi professionals permanently based in the US, we get both cultures and have seen every type of US business curveball thrown at New Zealand companies. We know which ones to duck and which ones to catch. From startups finding their feet to established companies scaling up their US presence, we provide the legal expertise and operational know-how to turn your US ambitions into reality.

Bottom line: we keep your US operations running smoothly, so you can focus on growing your business.

We're the Kiwi team helping New Zealand companies navigate the US market and then scale successfully once they're here.

The US can feel overwhelming for Kiwi businesses - it's bureaucratic, litigious, and full of surprises that can derail even the best-laid plans. But most of the challenges that put companies off their stride are actually preventable when you've got experienced professionals who know the terrain.

Our approach is straightforward: Stu covers the legal side as one of the rare lawyers qualified in both countries, while Kat handles all the practical business challenges that fall outside traditional legal services. Together we tackle everything from contract negotiations and employment disputes to visa headaches and the day-to-day operational issues that keep business owners awake at night.

Ability to Stay
One Step Ahead.

We bring an important international context and perspective to every issue.

With over 20 years of collective experience in US and NZ business, the assistance we can offer is limited only by your own inventiveness and ingenuity. With locations in both Los Angeles and New Zealand we can advise on issues in both countries, covering all bases with suitable contingencies

Knowledge That Serves Your Needs

We work exclusively with businesses and we’ll tell you upfront what we can't do. Our focus is getting your US operations built on the right foundations - because success in the US starts with making smart strategic choices early.

“ Kat & Stu have been invaluable as our North American immigration advisors, and have been awesome to work with. Their advice was always clear, practical, and tailored to our business, which gave us the confidence to make smart decisions and focus on growth. ”

Josh Bowden Co-Founder & CEO noissue

“ I highly recommend Kat & Stu. Kat managed our U.S. banking and immigration needs with ease, while Stu skillfully handled our legal matters with care. Combined, their outstanding support made a significant difference in our set up & ongoing legal & HR management for the US market. We treat them like our fractional legal team on the ground offering cost-effective expertise without the long-term commitment. ”

Todd Graydon CEO BLUNT Umbrellas

“ Stu and Kat have been extremely helpful in a wide range of legal activities from the relatively complex to the routine. They understand the level of urgency required, are always quick to respond and their advice has been well received and led to good outcomes for our business. ”

Charles Jenkins COO First Light Farms

Our recent projects

  • Successful injunction served on a departing employee from soliciting a major existing customer and setting up a competing business
     

  • Helped a New Zealand meat company implement a major organizational restructure designed to increase turnover and brand exposure in California
     

  • Assisted a Kiwi company develop an effective Software Distribution Agreement for US sales of a revolutionary new cloud-based inventory control system designed for the auto industry
     

  • Obtained orders for a Kiwi client in California Superior Court to enforce a relationship property share of a US-based retirement scheme

  • Worked through workplace challenges with a Kiwi-based company involving unlawful harassment, bi-lingual workplace and time clock issues
     

  • Achieved a managed early exit for a Kiwi exporter from a one-sided distribution contract containing a crippling monthly retainer clause
     

  • Obtained Non-Immigrant US work visas L-1, L-2 and E-1, E-2, B-1 and B-2 for entrepreneurs, senior management and specialized employees working for expanding Kiwi companies in the tech, wholesale and retail space 
     

  • Assisted a major Kiwi food and beverage company in establishing and re-documenting compliance-proof employment agreements, offer letters and employee handbook for its existing and future US-based staff