Dentons appoints Claire Evans as it strengthens Christchurch and national Corporate practice

Dentons New Zealand has appointed leading corporate lawyer, Claire Evans, as a partner in its Christchurch office,  strengthening its Christchurch presence and its national Corporate practice. Claire starts on 1 November 2026.

Claire was most recently a Partner at PwC Legal, where she led its South Island legal presence and national services. She has more than 20 years of experience in Christchurch, Sydney and London, advising businesses, boards, investors and fund managers on transactions and complex commercial matters.

Her practice spans mergers and acquisitions, investment funds, capital raising, corporate governance, shareholder arrangements, corporate structuring and commercial contracts.

Chair of Dentons New Zealand and Global Vice Chair, Hayden Wilson, says Claire’s appointment is an important step for the Christchurch office and the firm’s national Corporate practice.

“We are committed to growth in Christchurch. Claire is an outstanding lawyer with long-standing relationships in Canterbury and deep experience across transactions, investment funds, capital raising and governance. Having Claire on the ground in Christchurch, while connected to our national and global teams, means our clients will have direct access to the market leading advice that they need.”

Claire says the opportunity reflects the ambition of the Canterbury business community.

“Canterbury has an ambitious business community, with organisations looking to grow, attract capital, complete transactions and navigate increasingly complex governance and regulatory expectations. I am excited to join Dentons and build its Corporate and Commercial capability in Christchurch, combining local relationships with national depth and global reach.”

Dentons opened its Christchurch office in April 2024 with approximately eight people and expects the team to grow to around 22 by the end of 2026.

Chief Executive, Charles Spillane, says Claire’s appointment adds another important pillar to the office’s strategy.

“Our Christchurch growth is deliberate and client-led. Claire brings senior Corporate and Commercial capability to a team that is already serving clients across a growing range of needs. Our South Island presence allows us to combine strong local relationships with seamless access to specialists across New Zealand and the Dentons global network.”

Claire has held independent directorships with Christchurch City Holdings and Canterbury Linen Services and has served as a trustee of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. These roles complement her legal practice with practical governance and community experience.