OUR PEOPLE
The People
behind the
practice.

Eric Tanner
01
DIRECTOR | QGM LL.B (Hons)
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Eric joined Magill Earl in 2006 and became a partner in 2010. His work spans Rural, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing, Trusts and Succession Planning, with specialty interests in Employment Law — acting for both employers and employees, including personal grievances — as well as Building and Construction disputes and ACC claims.
Born in Leicester, Eric served on the Dover Lifeboat crew, earning the RNLI Bronze Medal for a rescue during the 1987 Great Storm, and later received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal after being shot during a bank robbery while serving with the Kent County Constabulary. He settled near Matamata in 2001 and is active in the community as a trustee of the Matamata Memorial RSA/Charitable Trust, treasurer of Matamata Rotary, and secretary of the Waikato Youth Music Association.

Marja Meeter
02
DIRECTOR | LL.B (Hons), B.Com
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Marja originates from the Netherlands. After earning her degree in International Business and International Marketing, she held various roles in logistics, procurement and operations management. Following her move to New Zealand, she attended Waikato University, graduating with an LL.B (Hons) in 2015.
Marja has worked at Magill Earl Limited since 2017. She loves her work and enjoys all fields of the legal profession, with particular interests in Commercial and Business Law, Trusts, Relationship Property, Family and Employment Law, Wills and Estates, and Dispute Resolution. Married to Gareth with four children, she spends her spare time supporting her children’s sport and enjoying the New Zealand outdoors.

Catherine Sheehan
03
PRACTICE MANAGER | TRUST ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Catherine’s career with Magill Earl spans more than 25 years, reflecting her commitment to the firm, her versatility and her passion for the legal profession.
Catherine joined the firm in 1994 as a junior receptionist and soon advanced to the role of Legal Secretary. In 2003, she moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she gained valuable experience at top-tier cooperate law firm Minter Ellison, supporting its Commercial Disputes Resolution and Litigation team.
After returning to New Zealand in 2008, Catherine rejoined the firm as a Legal Secretary. She was appointed Estates Manager in 2018 and continued to progress within the firm, becoming Practice Manager and Trust Account Manager in 2024.
Catherine values the variety and challenge of legal practice. Whilst Practice Management and Trust Account responsivities keep her busy, she remains actively involved in client files and has a particular interest in conveyancing and estate matters.
Outside the office, Catherine enjoys sharing good food and quality time with family and friends. She is also an enthusiastic rugby follower, an avid reader and always keen to make the most of the outdoors.

Trish Hodge
04
LEGAL SECRETARY |
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Trish joined Magill Earl in 2014 as Receptionist before progressing into her role as Legal Secretary. With a strong interest in the legal profession, she is currently studying towards her Legal Executive Diploma and is excited to continue growing her career within the firm.
Trish enjoys the variety that legal practice offers and values the opportunity to continually develop new skills, with particular interests in conveyancing and estate matters. She is dedicated to providing professional, efficient and friendly support to both clients and colleagues.
Outside of the office, Trish enjoys restoring old furniture and spending quality time with family and friends.

Te Ihiko Cooper
05
REGISTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE |
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Te joined Magill Earl in 2025 as a Legal Secretary, bringing previous experience from another local firm where she worked as a receptionist. She completed her Legal Executive Diploma at the end of 2025 and will begin her Bachelor of Law in 2027 as she continues to advance her legal career.
Te has a broad interest in many areas of law, with a particular passion for conveyancing. She enjoys assisting clients through the legal process and understands the importance of clear communication and practical support.
As a dedicated member of the Magill Earl team, Te is committed to delivering a high standard of service while continuing to expand her legal knowledge and experience.
Outside of the office, Te enjoys an active lifestyle and participates in a variety of sports throughout the year.