Fresh Energy & New Perspectives: Welcoming our Professional Studies Deputy Directors

Two exceptional dispute resolution specialists have joined our Professional Studies team as Deputy Directors: Sheana Wheeldon (Consensual) and Lauren Lindsay (Determinative). 

AMINZ President Malcolm Wallace, shares: “Sheana Wheeldon and Lauren Lindsay are exceptional in their respective fields and we’re excited for the fresh energy and new perspectives they will bring to the education and professional development team, working alongside Director of Professional Studies, Paul Sills.” 

 Sheana and Lauren join the professional development team during a time of dynamic change, as we recently welcomed Paul Sills as Director of Professional Studies, in December 2024. 

ADR Leaders 

“It’s an absolute privilege to be joining the AMINZ Professional Studies Team. With Paul Sills now bringing his expertise and energy to the Director role, and two new Deputy Directors, it’s an exciting time for AMINZ on the educational and professional development front. I’m really looking forward to being part of what we’ll be offering in those areas, which this year will of course include the Mediation Fellowship Programme.” 

Sheana Wheeldon is a barrister and commercial mediator based in Auckland. She joined the independent bar in 2015 after practising for many years in Intellectual Property dispute resolution, including ten years as a partner in a major national law firm.  

In the Intellectual Property space, Sheana’s focus is on the successful resolution of contentious IP matters including all manner of trademark disputes, IPONZ proceedings, patent infringement and invalidity, and copyright disputes.  

In her mediation practice, Sheana’s considerable litigation experience contributes to her expertise. It also fuels her passion for mediation as a positive and cost-effective way of resolving differences, as well as a stimulating and fulfilling area of practice. 

Sheana has been an enthusiastic member of AMINZ for many years, and on its Mediation Panel and Intellectual Property List since 2019. She successfully undertook the Mediation Fellowship Programme in 2023.  

She is a member of various mediation panels including the Sports and Recreation Complaints Mediation Service, ICRA’s ACC review panel, the NZLS Lawyers Complaints Service, and the Fair Way Natural Hazard Cover Dispute Resolution Service large panel. Sheana is also on the Panel of Experts who adjudicate domain name disputes for the New Zealand Domain Name Commission, administered by NZDRC. 

“A key part of AMINZ’s offering is its training for arbitration practitioners. As the new Deputy Director (Determinative), I am looking forward to working alongside Paul Sills to continue AMINZ’s leadership in dispute resolution education. Our aim is to provide training that is engaging, innovative and relevant. Watch this space!”

Lauren Lindsay is a commercial disputes barrister at Bankside Chambers. Lauren became a fellow of AMINZ in 2019 and has been a regular contributor to AMINZ training events ever since. 

Lauren has a broad disputes practice acting as counsel in commercial litigation and international arbitration, with particular expertise in insurance, technology, corporate and life sciences disputes. Lauren is comfortable and experienced in appearing as lead or junior counsel in any dispute resolution forum, be it in court, in arbitration or in mediation, both domestically and internationally. 

Prior to rejoining the bar in 2018, she spent seven years in a global law firm, based in London, acting on cross-border disputes across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals. 

Lauren accepts appointments as arbitrator with experience in ICC, SIAC, HKIAC and LCIA arbitrations and appointments made under the New Zealand Arbitration Act. 

Lauren is dual qualified in New Zealand and England & Wales. She is also a fellow of CIArb (England & Wales) and ACICA. She is a member of ACICA’s South Pacific taskforce.  

Lauren grew up in Vanuatu. She obtained her LLB(Hons) and BSc (majoring in genetics) from the University of Auckland in New Zealand and an LLM in European, Comparative and International Law from the European University Institute in Florence, Italy on a full scholarship.  Lauren is a bilingual French and English speaker. 

World-class Professional Development 

"I’m absolutely delighted that Sheana and Lauren are on board as our Deputy Directors of Professional Studies,” Executive Director Monique Pearson shares. “I am looking forward to the year ahead as we work together to continue to advance our education and professional development initiatives." 

Sheana and Lauren will be working with Paul to continue to offer world-class education programmes and courses, and ensure that AMINZ members stay at the forefront of global dispute resolution practices. 

“New Zealand’s dispute resolution community is world-class, and AMINZ’s academic programmes reflect that,” says Paul Sills. “Our goal as the AMINZ Professional Studies team, is to ensure we continue to innovate and lead globally.” 

Paul Sills, Director of Professional Studies.