Gibson Sheat Lawyers is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael O’Flaherty and Tenille Burnside to Partner. Michael’s appointment takes effect on 1 October 2026, with Tenille’s appointment taking effect
Michael O’Flaherty
when she returns from parental leave.
Their careers have followed a remarkably similar timeline. Both graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2013, joined Gibson Sheat in 2021 and will become Partners in 2026. While they now specialise in different areas, both have built successful practices by understanding what matters to their clients and providing clear, practical advice.
Michael works across commercial law, commercial property and employment law. He advises private companies, startups, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and property investors on matters ranging from business structuring and sales to shareholder agreements, technology contracts, commercial leasing and workplace issues. He also serves as Gibson Sheat’s AML compliance officer and sits on The Law Association’s Employment Law Committee.
Before joining Gibson Sheat, Michael worked alongside Tony Herring at Mortlock McCormack Law in Christchurch. Their professional relationship has continued at Gibson Sheat, where Tony, now a Partner and President of The Law Association of New Zealand, has supported Michael’s development.
Tenille is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in sports law. She advises major national sporting bodies, event organisers, athletes, businesses and not-for-profit organisations on commercial arrangements, governance, compliance, athlete rights and integrity matters.
Tenille Burnside
Her career has taken her from Russell McVeagh in New Zealand to global sports and media agency IMG in London. Tenille holds a Master of Laws in Sports Law and Practice, serves on the Legal Assistance Panel for the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand and is a director of Golf New Zealand and Canterbury Cricket. At Gibson Sheat, her progression has been supported by Chair and Partner Nigel Stirling.
Nigel said the appointments recognised the contribution Michael and Tenille have made to Gibson Sheat and its clients.
“Michael and Tenille are excellent lawyers who bring different but complementary strengths to our firm. They understand their clients, approach complex issues with care and provide advice people can use. We are delighted to welcome them to the partnership and look forward to seeing what they achieve in this next stage of their careers.”
The appointments add further depth to Gibson Sheat’s commercial practice and strengthen the firm’s ability to support businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and sporting bodies throughout New Zealand.