Janet is the Managing Partner of Copeland Ashcroft. With over 25 years’ experience in employment and health and safety law, Janet also has extensive governance experience having been involved in governance roles across a range of sectors including national sporting codes, netball franchises, tertiary education and local government.

Janet has significant experience in the aged care, transport, tourism, education, construction, health, non-profit, agriculture, local government, trades and professional services areas.

For all of her career Janet has assisted employers in collective bargaining with unions and is very experienced in providing strategic industrial relations advice and representation. She has handled health and safety prosecutions and sentencing as well as supporting clients through WorkSafe investigations. Her regular appearances in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court mean she is well placed to advise on all employment law related matters.

Janet holds a certificate in workplace investigations from the Association of Workplace Investigators, and has significant experience in conducting and advising on investigations.

Grace was admitted in 2022 and is based in our Dunedin office. Grace assists with a range of employment matters, supporting both employer and employee clients.

Outside of the office, Grace enjoys teaching group fitness classes and spending time with her family and friends.

Georgia graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and was admitted to the bar in 2023. Georgia joined the Copeland Ashcroft team in 2024, based in the Dunedin office, and is excited to start her law career in the employment law space.

Georgia grew up in Invercargill and has a keen interest in all thing’s music and musical theatre. Outside of the office Georgia enjoys being a member of the Dunedin Film Society, a quiz team regular and making the most of Dunedin’s beautiful scenic walks.