Blackman Spargo again nominated for awards

RECOGNISED: Blackman Spargo are again in contention for a New Zealand Law Award. Pictured are partner Ian Blackman and receptionist Sarah Homan.PHOTO/FILE

For Ian Blackman, the decision to specialise solely in rural law was one which raised a few eyebrows.

Some of his colleagues thought he was crazy, but fast-forward more than a decade to today with a base of rural clients stretching from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, he knows the decision was the right one.

It's been backed up by Blackman Spargo again being named as a finalist in the New Zealand Law Awards for the best boutique law firm.

They've won or been named finalists in the awards every time they've entered, something Mr Blackman said proved the decision to concentrate on rural law was the right one.

"Rather than being a jack of all trades we decided to be a master of one."

He, fellow partner Chris Spargo and the rest of the team had a love of working with farmers and got great satisfaction out of it, he said.

"Farming is a business not a past time. Farmers are looking for the best specialist advice they can get."

Mr Blackman said they were pretty excited about making the finals of the awards again.

"It's a good thing for a smaller provincial firm."

Mr Blackman said the rural area was one which definitely warranted specialisation - particularly around areas like succession planning, which he has written a book about.

Succession planning is also something the firm puts an emphasis on for their own business.

Mr Blackman said they were working to ensure its longevity beyond when he and Mr Spargo left.

Practice manager Sheree Bennett said the firm had either won or been a finalist in the awards every time they'd entered."

She said the recognition confirmed they were specialists in their field and were making a difference.