Douglas Lawyers – Strategic, Experienced, Pragmatic.
Jo Douglas, Principal
Jo has extensive experience across all aspects of employment law. Her career has included working as an employment advisor to the government, private practice in boutique law firms, in-house in a national employment law team in the UK, and managing a team of lawyers in an employers association. In 2014 she established her own practice.
Jo commonly appears in the MBIE mediation service, the Employment Relations Authority, and the Employment Court, representing and advocating for her clients.
Jo advises clients on best practice employment law covering all facets of the employment relationship, including privacy, human rights, triangular employment relationships, managing disciplinary processes, poor performance, restructuring, medical and psychological capability, personal grievances, advice on bullying and investigations, discrimination law, employment standards, pay equity issues, and contractor versus employee status issues.
Jo is known for her timely, pragmatic, and strategic advice.
Jo recognises that employment relationships and the legal challenges that can arise within them are often deeply rooted in human behaviour, motivation, and complex organisational dynamics. This understanding sparked her interest in psychology and inspired her to complete a Graduate Diploma in the field.
With this insight, her approach to employment law is with a wide lens, supporting alternative HR strategies that drive long-term change, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive workplace culture.
Whether assisting corporate managers, business owners or employees, Jo is passionate about helping people achieve their employment objectives.
Credentials
LLB, BA (Political Studies), Otago University.
Admitted: 1999
GradDip (Psychology), University of Waikato, 2024
Harvey, Office Receptionist
Harvey is our office wellbeing expert, and all-around good boy. He is our therapy dog, putting a smile on our dial when we are all having a ruff day.
He enjoys greeting our clients when they walk in the door and is our ambassador for promoting pawsitive office culture.
Thanks Harvey for boosting morale - one paw at a time.
Interested in working with our team?

Office Address: 65 Alpha Street, Cambridge 3434
Postal Address: PO Box 339, Cambridge 3450
DDI: 09 320 1699
E: info@douglaslawyers.co.nz