Dhilum is a resource management lawyer with over 20 years’ experience. She also advocates for vulnerable migrants on workplace exploitation and family violence immigration matters

 

I have practiced in both the private and public sectors since 1999, at large national firms and organisations.  I joined the independent bar in 2021.  I have extensive experience in resource management, employment, immigration and public law. I have a strong sense of social justice, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and am immensely proud of my Sri Lankan heritage.  My tikanga and mahi are guided by the cross-cultural values of karunawa (kindness), yuktiya (justice), anukampawa (compassion), rangatiratanga (self-empowerment) and manaakitanga (caring for and supporting others).

I have advocated successfully for many marginalised, disempowered and vulnerable people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds through my immigration and employment work at Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley and as a volunteer and employee advocate at Citizens Advice Bureau.

I also work as a contractor at Creative HQ where I am experienced with design thinking facilitation and project management of acceleration programmes for entrepreneurs, including in the Middle East.  I enjoy bringing a strategic approach to problem-solving that helps clients achieve outcomes that support their mana and well-being.

Qualifications

Degrees: LLB (Hons) / LLM (Distinc)
Admission to High Court: 1999

Contact

Kate Sheppard Chambers

Email: dhilum.nightingale@kschambers.co.nz
Mobile: +64 21 385130
LinkedIn

Areas of practice

Employment, Environment and resource management, Immigration, Public law 

Languages spoken

English, Sinhala