Our tribute to Telise Kelly

20 Apr 2023

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of our dear colleagues, Telise Kelly who was a Senior Associate in our Litigation team. Telise passed away on 18 April 2023 as a result of a tragic accident that occurred minutes before she was due to appear in the North Shore District Court. This has left our entire firm at Martelli McKegg in shock and we are all in a state of mourning.

Telise was not only one of our brightest stars but one of the brightest stars in the law profession for her generation. Telise was full of heart and courage and greatly admired by all of her colleagues for the passion and skill she brought to the litigation she undertook. Telise was a true leader within our firm and was on the path to Partnership as the next litigation partner at Martelli McKegg. Telise undertook litigation across a broad civil practice but with a specialisation in Trust, Estate and Relationship Property law.

Telise had a great enthusiasm for every aspect of her life and this spilled over into her practice as a lawyer. She was somebody who touched every member of the Martelli McKegg team and was deeply respected by every one of us. We will hugely miss her presence, guidance and support, particularly the litigation team.

Telise's star was one very much on the rise after just 8 years in practice - she had every hallmark of a leader not only in our firm, in her practice area but more broadly in the law profession. Telise attended Auckland University where she obtained degrees in Law and Accounting before being admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court in 2015. Prior to joining Martelli McKegg in 2019 Telise worked in a boutique law firm before working with a senior relationship property and trust law Barrister.

Since January 2019 Telise has undertaken significant litigation principally in the Family Court and High Court and is held in high regard by senior members of the profession and judiciary. Telise is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body for trust and estate practitioners including being recognised by STEP as a 'TEP', owing to her specialist knowledge and skill in this area. Telise volunteered her time within the profession including as a member of the ADLS Family Law Committee and was just elected as a member of the Council of ADLS, a position she was incredibly proud to hold.  Telise was a member of the Auckland Women Lawyers' Association and the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) Family Law Section. Telise was called on to present seminars for other professionals on matters of import in the practice area of trusts, estates and relationship property, including Legalwise, ADLS and NZLS CLE.

Telise hailed from the coastal Far North and was very proud of her heritage. We believe she was one of their finest exports.

We wish to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to Telise's beloved husband Tim, her parents and wider whanau - as well as the whanau of friends she chose. Our hearts go out to you all and we stand with you at this difficult time. We also wish to acknowledge first responders, those members of the public and profession at the scene as well as the judges, staff and lawyers from the North Shore District Court. You have all shown incredible kindness and understanding.

We thank all of those firms, Barristers, members of the Judiciary and clients who have reached out to us and we wish to thank the New Zealand Law Society, Auckland District Law Society, the Meritas network for their immediate support and assistance over these last two days. We also acknowledge those clients affected by this sad event and thank you for your support.

He kōtuku rerenga tahi - a white heron's flight is seen but once. In every sense Telise possessed that rare combination of talent and heart, empathy and tenacity required of great advocates. More importantly, Telise was a great person - the light shone out of her with great radiance and touched everyone she came across. Her rays of sunshine will be greatly missed by us all. Rest in Peace our dear friend.