We believe that business is based on strong relationships. Our aim is to create true partnerships built on mutual respect and trust.
Our People
Caroline Rieger
(She/Her)
Managing Director
Caro is an employment law expert.
Caro has extensive experience partnering with employers to achieve their business and people goals and is a trusted advisor to boards and executives in private and public organisations. Caro regularly assists school boards and early childhood providers and other organisations where professional disciplinary matters may arise. She has a unique understanding of the challenges faced by these organisations and the regulatory frameworks they work within.
Caro is regularly appointed as an independent investigator for workplace matters and workplace cultural reviews. Caro is an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH).
Caro has investigated a wide range of issues, including workplace bullying and sexual harassment. Her reports can be relied on both when addressing employment issues arising from the conduct and in implementing changes to culture and policies if necessary.
Caro assists senior executive when employment relationship matters arise for them.
Caro’s passion for employment law means she is regularly invited to present seminars, client training and to comment in the media on employment related matters.
Caro has a special interest and strong background in Human Rights issues that arise in Employment. In addition to her specialist employment law experience, Caro has a wealth of civil litigation and family law experience which means she is able to see the broader business and personal implications of employment related matters and also is able to progress matters through litigation if early resolution is unable to be achieved.
Outside of the Firm, Caro spends time with her husband and three children. If there is time between her passion for employment law and her family, Caro loves pouring over interior design magazines and even better if it can be over brunch at a café.
Richard Roil
(He/Him)
Senior Associate
Richard is an experienced and accomplished employment lawyer, advising on all aspects of employment law from employment agreements, disciplinary matters, performance management, restructuring, to restraints of trade and confidentiality. He has extensive and varied experience acting for both employer and employees and has represented clients in disciplinary meetings, settlement negotiations, at mediation, the Employment Relations Authority, the Employment Court, and is an effective advocate.
Richard has cultivated excellent and trusted working relationships with clients and is passionate about providing practical tailored advice and solutions to meet their needs.
While completing his Master of Laws in Employment Law, Richard worked as a judge’s clerk, providing legal research and opinions to judges of the Employment Court and members of the Employment Relations Authority. Richard began his legal career working for a national commercial law firm and then moved to a boutique employment law firm in Wellington, before moving to London. Richard has over a decade of experience working in London for highly regarded multinational law firms and leading full-service UK law firms. Prior to joining Black Door Law, Richard worked at the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry, New Zealand’s largest royal commission of inquiry. Richard has a wealth of experience in employment law and a wide knowledge of dispute resolution matters including commercial litigation, competition litigation and regulatory investigations.
Outside of the firm Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, wider family and friends, watching sport, playing touch rugby and tennis. Richard is interested in travel and loves cooking Italian food.
Scott Balloch
(He/Him)
Senior Associate
Scott is a specialist employment lawyer.
Scott advises on all aspects of employment law, including disciplinary and performance management, raising and responding to personal grievances, restructures and redundancies, and drafting employment agreements.
Scott prides himself on his personable nature and his practical solutions that minimise cost and stress for his clients.
Scott was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 2020 after studying a BCom/LLB at Victoria University of Wellington and is a proud St Patrick’s College (Silverstream) old boy.
Prior to joining Black Door Law in February 2024, Scott worked at a general practice firm in Lower Hutt and assisted clients with a wide variety of employment, dispute resolution, and commercial matters.
Outside of the office, Scott is an avid sports fan. He loves watching rugby (league and union), listening to live music, and socialising with friends & family.
Grace Adeyinka-Fayomi
(She/Her)
Associate
Grace is a specialist employment lawyer.
Grace has a strong passion for helping clients navigate their way through complex legal issues in an efficient manner. Grace is interested in the practical employment issues that arise daily.
Grace was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2021. In that same year she graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degree. Grace joined the Firm in October 2022 having practiced in a litigation Firm.
Outside of the Firm Grace enjoys going op shopping and spending time with her family and friends.
Alex Sclater
(She/Her)
Solicitor
Alex is a specialist employment lawyer.
Alex has experience representing clients at mediation and the Employment Relations Authority. Alex has a strong interest in matters where human rights issues arise during employment.
Alex was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2020. In the same year Alex worked for two health care unions advocating for and providing advice to health care workers.
Outside of the Firm, Alex enjoys running, swimming, and yoga, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Emma Valentine
(She/Her)
Graduate Law Clerk
Emma has recently finished her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Otago and is a Law Clerk in the team.
Emma loves the pragmatic nature of employment law and the ability to problem-solve and help others.
Outside of the firm, Emma enjoys sports and exercise, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Sam Whatley
(She/Her)
Operations Manager
Sam is Black Door Law’s Operations Manager.
Sam ensures the seamless operation of the Firm. She oversees the Firm’s operations functions and client services including accounts, liaising with suppliers, and supporting the Firm projects and initiatives.
Sam has a background in Education, with a Masters in Teaching & Learning. Prior to joining Black Door Law, Sam worked as a Primary School Teacher (one might make a joke about how this makes her uniquely qualified to keep our lawyers in check).
Outside of the Firm, Sam enjoys running, sewing, writing & cooking for her friends and family.
Mya East
(She/Her)
Office Administrator and Executive Assistant
Mya is Black Door Law’s Office Administrator and Executive Assistant.
Mya supports the operations functions of the Firm and our lawyers ensuring exceptional service to our clients. As a client, she will likely be your first point of contact with the Firm.
Mya has a background in Psychology, with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology. With an affinity for people, Mya is equipped with the skills to keep everyone organised behind the scenes.
Outside of the Firm, Mya enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
