Julia founded Johnston Law in 2023.  Julia has a passion for people and finding solutions for her clients.  She is a problem solver, and prides herself on working effectively to reach the best outcomes for her clients, no matter the area of concern, while making the process as simple and stress-free as possible. 

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Throughout her career Julia has worked in an international accounting firm, a “big 4”, a boutique tax law firm and was most recently a partner at a mid-tier law firm in charge of a branch office. Julia has also spent time working in a large corporate recovery team at an international firm. This combination of law, commerce, and accounting has given her a broad skill base to bring to her clients, whether they are seeking relationship property or tax advice. Julia's well-rounded approach is crucial to giving the most practical and accurate advice possible.

 

From a tax perspective Julia has assisted in a broad range of cases, from IRD audits to advising on the implications of land transactions. Julia's passion is migrant tax issues, and she advises both inbound and outbound residents on their New Zealand tax obligations with the view to structuring for tax efficiency across jurisdictions.  As well as providing advice Julia presents on various tax issues at seminars and conferences throughout New Zealand and internationally, including for New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives on land tax issues, financial advisors on international tax issues, and at many events on migrant tax issues. 

 

Julia assists clients and their advisors with all of their tax advisory requirements. As a migrant herself, Julia understands the need for straightforward advice and guidance.  She spends a lot of time working with new migrants advising on their tax obligations in the complex area of international tax. This provides her with a solid background into her client’s affairs which enables her to continue to advise on the many other areas of tax laws once they are established in New Zealand, be it commercial or otherwise. Julia was awarded New Zealand Taxation Advisor of the Year in the 2022 and 2023 Tax Awards by Finance Monthly. 

 

Julia also specialises in relationship property, where she assists clients with contracting-out agreements, separation agreements, property divisions, and the various negotiations and other related aspects of such work. Relationship separations are a distressing time in a client’s life. Julia takes a friendly, supportive approach while focused on reaching a practical solution and aim to simplify and clarify these often-complex matters.

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Julia enjoys giving back to the community and is currently a trustee of the Ara Foundation and the Hornby Day Care Trust for the Elderly. Julia is also the treasurer of an equestrian based Incorporated Society. 

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Outside of work, you will find Julia out riding/competing with one of her horses, spending time with her husband, family and friends, or relaxing at home in Canterbury, New Zealand with her dogs and cat. 

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