Cheryl Officer
Director
Cheryl is an experienced senior solicitor specialising in property and conveyancing matters. A University of Otago graduate, she was admitted in 2012. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Cheryl was the office manager and law clerk for Jeff Walker for many years. She has been with the firm since its inception in 1999.
Cheryl has an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day practice management and extensive legal knowledge. She is best known in the area of property law where she often juggles a multitude of complicated transactions. She is also highly skilled in in other areas of legal practice. Cheryl has a diverse property law practice and has become a trusted adviser to a broad range of clients including private and corporate entities.
Cheryl is closely tied to the sporting community and has held significant board roles including chairing Southland District Rugby League and a board member for the Southern Zone Rugby League.
In 2014, her service to this sector was honoured when she was awarded Administrator of the Year at the Southland Sports Awards.
Pip Walker Stevens
Director
Pip specialises in family law and private client matters. Pip worked the best part of a decade in Melbourne and Sydney in private client litigation having graduated from Otago University with a double degree in Law and Arts (communication). Pip returned to NZ in 2019.
Pip is passionate about the delivery of sustainable long-term outcomes to family disputes and believes in applying a costs sensitive approach. Pip believes in looking at the “big picture" when navigating disputes involving children. Pip previously held the Executive position of Chair of Collaborative Resolution New Zealand and Vice President of the Victorian Association for Collaborative Professionals in Melbourne is an advocate for keeping families out of Court where possible.
When required, Pip is a strong advocate and appears for her clients regularly in the Family Court and in the District & High Courts. Pip is a Court appointed Lawyer for Child representing children in care of children disputes. Pip enjoys advising on asset protection and structuring including establishing trusts and preparing pre-nuptial or contracting out agreements.
Pip describes the highlight of her career as working alongside her Dad, Jeff. Pip enjoys exploring the backyard of Murihiku, the arts and time with her family and has many clients in Rakiura / Stewart Island.
Carly Ashford
Practice Manager
Carly originally began working at the firm Jeff Walker & Judy Restieaux Lawyers as an Office Junior and then as a Legal Secretary for 8 years in the late 90’s.
Following a 16-year hiatus in which she qualified and worked as an Early Childhood Teacher, Carly returned to the team in July 2024 and in 2025 commenced the role of Practice Manager.
Cleland Murdoch
Consultant
Cleland is a born and bred Southlander and has practised law for more than 40 years. He began his career at Tait Ward & Co in 1977 before beginning his own legal practice as a sole practitioner in 1999.
In 2005, Cleland joined forces with Jeff Walker to form Jeff Walker & Cleland Murdoch Lawyers which was later incorporated as Walker Murdoch Law Limited.
Cleland’s work includes all complex property matters including attending to conveyancing, trusts, wills, estates, matrimonial matters.
Cleland is a dedicated Lawyer for Children representing children in Family Court proceedings and ensuring their views are heard and expressed to the Court.
Cleland is well known and regarded across Southland and the profession for his personable approach to matters. Clients place immense value on his provision of reliable and honest advice to clients. He has also served as the District Inspector for Mental Health for 25 years. His patient and caring attitude in this work has been a considerable offering to the community over many years.
Outside of the office, Cleland is involved with harness racing, enjoys watching sports and spending time with his extended family.
Kylie McNeilly
Associate
Kylie was born and bred in Riverton, Southland. Kylie works across a broad range of areas, commercial, conveyancing, relationship property, trust and estate planning. She brings a wealth of experience to Walker Murdoch Law.
Kylie is involved in the South Island Rugby League Board and has worked internationally before returning to her home, Southland.
Natasha Jenkins
Associate | Registered Legal Executive
Natasha has over 10 years’ experience in the legal industry. She began her career at Walker Murdoch as a Legal Secretary, having practiced at another well-known Southland firm and before gaining her Diploma in Legal Executive Studies.
As a Legal Executive, she assists the Walker Murdoch directors with Estate Administration (including Probate and Letters of Administration), preparation of Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney, Trust and Asset Planning, Family Law, Conveyancing, Debt Collection and Limited Licence Applications.
Helping clients to achieve good outcomes, no matter what situation they’re in, is Natasha’s main driver in her work.
Natasha was likely always meant to end up working in law, with her propensity for helping others and, also, after watching one of her favourite TV shows, Boston Legal.
Kat McKenzie
Registered Legal Executive
Kat joined the team in May 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in the legal industry. She is an Associate Member of the NZ Institute for Registered Legal Executives and aims to achieve ‘Fellow’ status in the latter half of 2024, being the highest level of membership for Legal Executives in NZ.
Kat’s expertise spans Estate Administration, Residential Conveyancing, Commercial, Trust and Succession Law, and she is excited to be extending on that by providing support to our Director and Family Law Specialist, Pip Walker Stevens.
Kat prides herself on her accuracy, speed and attention to detail, and is motivated by a challenge. She enjoys working with people and assisting clients to meet their objectives in the most efficient way possible.
Outside of the office, Kat cherishes downtime with her family and is a movie enthusiast. She is often busy moving from one after school activity to the next and looks forward to more time on the water fishing when the Southland weather permits.
Christie Talamahina
Associate | Registered Legal Executive
Christie’s journey in the legal profession began in 2003 during her high school years, when she worked as an office junior for Jeff Walker and Judy Restieaux Lawyers. In 2005, she transitioned into a full-time role at another city firm, where she gained extensive experience over eight years. She returned to work with Jeff Walker & Cleland Murdoch in 2013 (now Walker Murdoch Law) and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
Christie has since completed her qualifications as a Registered Legal Executive and has become an Associate of the firm. Her areas of expertise include conveyancing, sale and purchase of residential and commercial property, business transactions, refinancing, commercial leases, subdivisions, family trusts, and wills. She is known for her attention to detail and her ability to navigate complex legal matters with confidence and care.
Christie is valued by both clients and colleagues for her enthusiasm and approachable nature—her infectious laugh is a familiar and welcome sound in the office.
Outside of work, Christie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children and keeping active through regular exercise.
Sarah Templeton
Law Clerk
Sarah is an institution of the Walker Murdoch firm, with 25 years’ experience and having been working with Cleland since day one at Tait Ward Adams & Murdoch. Sarah then moved with Cleland when he first started out as a sole practitioner in the 1990’s. Naturally, she transitioned well to the Walker Murdoch Law team and enjoys the social nature of a larger team of staff.
As a Law Clerk, Sarah specialises in conveyancing, which sees her assisting clients with the buying and selling of housing and refinancing of their properties.
She enjoys the variety of work that comes from the law industry and is always looking for a challenge to keep her inspired.
Sarah is loved by her clients for her sense of humor and straight talking attitude.
Kylie Keen
Law Clerk
Kylie is a Law Clerk who works with the property team. Kylie is responsible for running conveyancing files from end to end and providing invaluable administrative support to the team.
Kylies expertise extends to residential transactions, rural land transactions and refinancing matters. She is a valued member of the conveyancing team and enjoys the variation of work that comes with this field.
Kylie works directly with Cheryl Officer as her right-hand woman, assisting in day-to-day activities and providing support where it is needed.
Kylie is a favourite among clients, as she always attends to their matters with diligence, patience, and enthusiasm.
Shaney King
Legal Administrator
Shaney joined our team in August 2024. She is currently pursuing her studies to become a Qualified Legal Executive and she is on track to have this complete in June 2025.
Shaney is currently working in an administrative role within the firm and assists staff with various tasks.
Shaney is enjoying the challenge of studying while working and is excited to challenge herself further once qualified.
Outside of the office, Shaney enjoys spending time with her friends, relaxing with her dogs, playing netball and staying active in the gym.