Sharna McElhinney

Sharna is a born and bred Tauranga local. Her compassion and desire to help people led her to the law. She started working in the legal industry in 2004 as an office junior, and over time grew into a legal executive role. Sharna has worked for two of the top three law firms in Tauranga, during her many years in the legal industry.

Sharna says that sometimes she feels she did life backwards, starting her family at a young age and then deciding to pursue a law degree in her 30s. “Deciding to (finally) pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer was a decision I will never regret, even though studying while raising a family and continuing in employment made the task particularly challenging at times!” Sharna completed her law degree in 2021 through the University of Waikato, and was admitted to the bar in September 2022!

Sharna is experienced in a wide range of areas, with a particular interest in property and commercial law including family property, subdivisions, residential and commercial conveyancing and business transactions. Sharna is also experienced in general practice matters such as wills, enduring powers of attorney and trusts. Sharna says that she loves the law because it is so diverse, and her skills are constantly evolving. “Life seems to be much more complex these days, and therefore the demands of clients are constantly changing, which requires you to be adaptable.” Sharna is always up for a challenge, and she enjoys utilising her problem solving skills and practical approach to assist clients in achieving their goals.

Outside of work Sharna enjoys spending time with her husband, their adorable blended family of four, and their rather large Labradoodle called Alfie.