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.
The US is a competitive, highly regulated and litigious market. Kiwis need effective and direct advice.
So what happens when a customer discovers a cockroach in their chardonnay or silverfish in their savvy blanc? It can be scary thinking about getting your ass sued. But it’s not as freaky as you would imagine. When things have gone bad, is it even possible to resolve things without losing a good chunk of your hard-earned profit by having to feed the shark tank? When you think your bum is hanging out and you feel vulnerable, the steps involved in suing or being sued here aren’t nearly as scary-expensive or exhausting as you might expect. We can hold your hand and guide you around the hot pools.
The right visa does not come in a Weetbix packet but it’s not that hard to get the right process under way that will serve your business needs. There are various visa categories available, from having short term staff located at a new office in the US, to the relocation of a CEO.
The unpleasant side of doing business at a distance is the bit where things start going south and you feel you need to be there to bang a few heads together. This could be as serious as someone pinching your 200-watt-lightbulb-idea and them being told to cease and desist, or as simple as sitting down with the other side and sorting out a series of invoices and statements face-to-face.
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
Around the world the same problems arise for every business - but each location has its own, often unique, way of dealing with them.
Our diverse team provides services that encompass immigration, debt recovery, contract enforcement, regulatory compliance and litigation
“ 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