Sponsored: Two decades, countless stories, one commitment
C + F Legal team.
C & F Legal celebrates 20 years since founders Kathy Carr and Rick Farr first opened the doors with a vision to build a full-service firm blending commercial expertise with litigation strength. Two decades later, the firm is looking back on the relationships and values that have defined its journey. Asking them what has guided the business over the past 20 years, the answer comes easily: “Our clients and our team have always been our firm focus,” says Kathy. “Their aspirations and challenges have shaped not just the services we offer, but the values we live by; quality, clarity, compassion, and courage… geared to the result.”
What C & F Legal has developed is a team of experts in each field of law, providing a one-stop shop for clients for everything they require from their lawyers. C & F Legal acts for the widest range of clients in both commercial and domestic matters, providing a full range of legal services spanning generations and borders.
The firm’s history is also marked by cases that demonstrate not only its wide-ranging capability but also its genuine commitment to clients. Rick says, “Without the rule of law, the very fabric of our commercial enterprises and domestic lives would fail, and there are many examples of that chaos in the world today. The law should not be considered as the ends, but the means, to be utilised with integrity to achieve our clients’ goals and where reasonableness and integrity are one.”
In a hugely competitive industry, C & F Legal has never taken trust for granted. “It’s something you earn, day in and day out,” Rick says. “It’s built through countless hours of hard work, honest conversations, and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.” That means being reliable, responsive, and genuinely invested in a client’s outcome. “Trust is reinforced by availability,” Kathy adds. “Being present is part of being dependable.”
Karen Fallow has worked alongside Kathy and Rick since before C & F Legal began. Her long service reflects the continuity, loyalty, and strong relationships that have shaped the practice. “Karen has been with us through every chapter,” says Kathy. “Her quiet strength and unwavering support have been a foundation for the firm.” Over the years, the firm has also adapted to reflect both the changing legal landscape and the needs of the community.
Mark Broad joined the firm in 2020 and became a director in 2022. Mark is a senior dispute resolution lawyer whose work spans commercial litigation, insolvency, and property disputes. He’s known for his pragmatic approach, representing clients in everything from shareholder disagreements to estate claims.
Demand for specialised commercial expertise has surged. “From small businesses to larger enterprises, clients are asking for strategic advice in managing disputes,” Mark explains. “Our team has grown to meet that demand, bringing deep expertise and solutions to help businesses navigate risk, seize opportunity, and plan for sustainable growth.”
Alongside these areas, family law continues to grow, he says, reflecting the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. Employment law, including health and safety, has become more prominent, with workplaces navigating conflict and compliance in a fast-moving world. Property work remains strong, while elder and disability law is increasingly important for families planning ahead.
With this, Mark announces that family law specialist Deborah Dye-Knighton will be joining the leadership team as a director from 1 December 2025. “From the moment I first walked through the doors, the entire team made me feel welcome,” says Deborah. “I’ve never experienced a law firm quite like C & F Legal – the culture here is truly special. It’s that culture, more than anything, that has inspired my decision to take on directorship later this year. I want to build on the incredible work the team has achieved over the past 20 years. What I value most is that C & F Legal isn’t hierarchical like many other firms. There’s no divide between admin support and lawyers, or within the wider structure. Of course, we have directors and specialists in different fields, but the foundation is trust and respect. Every member plays a vital role, and it’s that collective strength that makes the team succeed.”
“Geared to the Result” reflects C & F Legal’s philosophy. “The symbolism of the gears is that all of our team play an important part,” says Kathy. “Whether you look like a big cog or a little cog, without us all doing our job the whole machine doesn’t work.” The motif also reflects the firm’s close relationship between the law, people’s affairs, and business.
Lawyers Carl Brandt and Niall Thrupp have been promoted to associates, while rising talent Kayla McLellan takes on her new role as senior solicitor. “It feels like the right time to pass the torch,” says Kathy. “With these team members stepping up the firm is well-positioned and ready for its next chapter.”
Looking back, Rick stresses the importance of staying grounded, hard work, and keeping the human side of law front and centre. “Empathy, adaptability, and strategic thinking are as important as legal knowledge,” he says. “Technology and AI need to be embraced and will assist, but they won’t replace our team’s knowledge, judgment, and skills that we have honed through literally hundreds of years of collective real-world legal experience.”
It’s a philosophy that has carried the firm through its first 20 years and will guide it into the future. “We’ve learned to embrace change, invest in our people and the available technology, and keep our focus on what matters most: helping clients achieve their endeavours, be informed, empowered, and supported. Those values will guide us into the next chapter with confidence and care.”
The directors are quick to credit the team around them. “From the front desk to the courtroom, every member of C & F Legal, past and present, brings something unique to the table,” says Rick. “We’re proud of the depth of talent within C & F Legal, and even prouder of the way our people show up with integrity, care, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Their dedication, skill, hard work, and heart are the foundation of everything we do.”
Gratitude also extends to the clients who’ve trusted the firm across decades, who are not only loyal but are their best advocates. “We want to thank our clients for their trust, loyalty, and the relationships we’ve built together,” Kathy notes. “Many have been with us for years, some across generations, and their continued confidence in our work is the highest compliment we could receive. It’s been our privilege to walk alongside them through life’s milestones, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories have shaped us, and their support has sustained us.”
And of course, the firm’s roots go back to its founders. “A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to Kathy and Rick,” Mark says. “Their vision, values, and leadership laid the groundwork for a firm that’s proudly local, fiercely committed, and built to stand the test of time.”
The directors agree that what sets C & F Legal apart is the ability to offer truly full-service legal support under one roof. The firm has highly experienced specialists across the widest range of legal fields, including commercial, employment, family matters, property, trusts, and litigation if necessary. The team provides continuity and consistency at every stage. “While some firms specialise in only a few areas, our strength lies in our versatility,” Mark explains. “Our team brings high-level capability across the board, so our clients can rely on us for continuity, consistency, and comprehensive care no matter what life throws their way.”
As C & F Legal steps into its third decade, the mission remains clear: to stand beside its clients with quality, clarity, compassion, courage, and stay geared to the result. For Kathy, Rick, Mark, and Deborah, “There are no guarantees our clients will return to us, and we never assume they will. We have to do our job well – with quality, consistency, and integrity. We’re deeply grateful for the faith our clients have placed in us as their trusted legal advisors. Their trust has guided our growth, and their feedback has helped us refine how we provide our services across the board.”
211 Bridge Street, Nelson, 7010
