Elise Streat
Solicitor
Q: When did you join Aspiring Law?
A: I joined the team mid 2024, and it's been a fantastic step in my career.
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: I grew up in Queenstown. My parents were really into the outdoors, so we spent a lot of family time hiking, skiing, and tramping. At school, the outdoor education programme meant we did a lot of skiing and other challenging outdoor pursuits. These experiences taught me problem-solving and resilience, which has prepared me well to take on whatever opportunities come my way. After school, I studied law at the University of Otago, and upon qualifying, I returned to my hometown to start my career at a boutique law firm in Queenstown.
Q: What influenced your career path?
A: My Swedish heritage through my mother has given me a broader perspective through travel and experiencing different cultures. This, combined with my love for law and the outdoors, led me to Wānaka, where I have enjoyed growing my professional career with Aspiring Law, specialising in property and commercial law. I have the perfect life enjoying my passion for law and having easy access to the outdoors to pursue my love of rock climbing, skiing, biking, and tramping.
Q: What do you enjoy most about practising law?
A: Making difficult matters simpler for clients so they feel assured. I find it rewarding helping first-home buyers as this is an exciting next chapter for them.
Rosa Garcia Knight
Law Graduate
Q: When did you join Aspiring Law?
A: I joined the team in March this year, marking an exciting new chapter in my legal career.
Q: Can you tell us about your educational journey?
A: My path has been quite diverse. I started with a Bachelor of Communication Studies at AUT before following my passion for law. I completed my communications degree through Massey University and my law degree at the University of Canterbury. A highlight was spending my final semester on exchange at the University of Copenhagen, which was an amazing experience.
Q: What brought you to Wānaka?
A: I've always loved Wānaka, having spent time here visiting my brother during his snowboarding training. During a recent visit, I fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle - hiking, camping, and rock climbing. When looking to start my legal career, Aspiring Law seemed the perfect fit.
Q: What's your impression of practising law so far?
A: There’s a lot to it – it can be very complex, but I am lucky to work with a great team who provide clear, accessible and client-centred advice. This makes it the perfect place for me to develop my legal career. The law impacts everyone, and I love the opportunity to make a difference through what I do. And having the Wānaka outside the office window is a bonus!