Rachel Martin

Rachel Martin is a highly accomplished commercial and corporate lawyer, now serving as Special Counsel at Argon Law, where her expertise is focussed in commercial law and mergers and acquisitions.

With over two decades of experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom, Rachel has built a stellar reputation for her strategic approach, attention to detail, and ability to deliver practical solutions to complex legal and business challenges.

In her current role at Argon Law, Rachel provides expert counsel on structuring transactions, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, helping businesses navigate pivotal moments in their growth and operations. Rachel’s strategic mindset and collaborative approach make her a trusted advisor for business owners, developers, and investors seeking to achieve seamless transitions and successful outcomes.

Before joining Argon Law, Rachel most recently held the role of Corporate Counsel within the commercial legal team at Aon Australia in Sydney. In this position, she managed high-stakes tenders under tight deadlines and delivered advice to a range of business units. Her ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment showcased her expertise in balancing legal precision with business imperatives.

Rachel also served as Senior Corporate Counsel at ASB Bank, a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. There she advised key stakeholders on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and financial disclosure obligations. She advised on Local Listing rules and assisting in the preparation and release of stock exchange announcements. She also refreshed internal guidance and led training initiatives to ensure compliance with complex financial regulations. Her work supported critical business objectives, including capital raising and corporate restructuring.

Previously, Rachel held the position of Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Aon New Zealand, overseeing legal and compliance operations across New Zealand, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Her contributions included implementing robust compliance programs and implementing risk frameworks. She also chaired risk and compliance quarterly reviews and educated board members on regulatory obligations, reinforcing her ability to lead the business into the new financial services’ regulatory regime. 

Other career highlights include leading the commercial legal function for the Woolworths Limited subsidiaries in New Zealand, coinciding with a New Zealand Commerce Commission enquiry into diary pricing. 

Rachel’s career is distinguished by her multinational expertise in commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. She brings clarity and confidence to her clients in every engagement. Beyond her technical expertise, Rachel is committed to fostering strong client relationships and delivering personalised service. Her pragmatic, solution-focused approach ensures that her clients’ goals and long-term success remain at the forefront of every legal strategy she develops.

In addition to her professional achievements, Rachel is passionate about giving back to her community. She has actively contributed to initiatives like Storydogs Australia, a literacy program for young readers, and various other causes aimed at empowering vulnerable communities such as the homeless or those impacted by human trafficking. Her volunteer efforts reflect her belief in building meaningful connections and creating positive change beyond the workplace.

Rachel’s role at Argon Law represents the culmination of her extensive experience and her dedication to excellence. Her blend of legal expertise, commercial insight, and client-focused service makes her an invaluable resource for businesses navigating complex legal and commercial landscapes.