Managing Partner / Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown
Experience:
With nearly 30 years of experience in employment law and health and safety law, Janet is a trusted leader and strategic advisor. She is known for her pragmatic approach, clear communication, and ability to cut through complexity to deliver practical, results-focused solutions for her clients.
She is a leading specialist in collective bargaining and union negotiations, and a sought-after expert in strategic industrial relations advice and representation.
Janet has represented employers and organisations at every level — from mediation and dispute resolution through to the Employment Court. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries, including aged care, transport, tourism, education, construction, health, agriculture, non-profit, trades, professional services, and local government. She is also highly experienced in managing WorkSafe investigations and health and safety prosecutions, and providing strong, confident representation in high-stakes matters.
Janet holds a Certificate in Workplace Investigations from the Association of Workplace Investigators, equipping her to lead independent investigations with professionalism, impartiality, and precision.
Together with Naoimh McAllister, Janet co-founded Copeland McAllister in August 2025 – specialist law firm focused exclusively on employment law, health and safety, and immigration law.
Expertise:
Janet’s expertise spans the full spectrum of employment law and health and safety and includes:
Governance and volunteer roles:
Memberships and affiliations:
Managing Partner / Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown
P: +64 27 444 0771
E: jcopeland@cmalaw.co.nz
Experience:
With nearly 30 years of experience in employment law and health and safety law, Janet is a trusted leader and strategic advisor. She is known for her pragmatic approach, clear communication, and ability to cut through complexity to deliver practical, results-focused solutions for her clients.
She is a leading specialist in collective bargaining and union negotiations, and a sought-after expert in strategic industrial relations advice and representation.
Janet has represented employers and organisations at every level — from mediation and dispute resolution through to the Employment Court. Her expertise spans a wide range of industries, including aged care, transport, tourism, education, construction, health, agriculture, non-profit, trades, professional services, and local government. She is also highly experienced in managing WorkSafe investigations and health and safety prosecutions, and providing strong, confident representation in high-stakes matters.
Janet holds a Certificate in Workplace Investigations from the Association of Workplace Investigators, equipping her to lead independent investigations with professionalism, impartiality, and precision.
Together with Naoimh McAllister, Janet co-founded Copeland McAllister in August 2025 – specialist law firm focused exclusively on employment law, health and safety, and immigration law.
Expertise:
Janet’s expertise spans the full spectrum of employment law and health and safety and includes:
Governance and volunteer roles:
Memberships and affiliations:
Law Society Standards Committee, Southland Branch
Regular insight, enlightenment, and entertainment from the Copeland McAllister team.
