Pearce IP is pleased to announce the promotion of Julie Ballance, Patent Attorney, Lawyer and Notary to Executive.
Julie joined Pearce IP in October 2023 as Special Counsel with more than 30 years of experience as an IP lawyer and attorney. With triple registrations (attorney, lawyer and notary) and a background in chemistry, Julie is a foundational core team member and leader in each of Pearce IP’s patents, trade marks and designs business units.
Julie consistently demonstrates exceptional technical skills and commitment to her craft. She is very well respected in the industry and honoured by her faithful clients. Julie’s dedication to growth and her talent for inspiring others make her a very welcome addition to the Pearce IP Executive team.
Julie is Pearce IP’s second New Zealand based Executive, following the commencement of Paul Johns in May 2024.
Pearce IP’s Founder and CEO, Naomi Pearce says:
“I am absolutely delighted that Julie has taken up a leadership role at Pearce IP. Julie is an excellent lawyer and attorney, and she is wholeheartedly committed to Pearce IP’s 2027 Vision to be the premier life sciences IP practice in Australia and New Zealand. With Julie joining Paul Johns as an Executive in New Zealand, our New Zealand business is in safe hands.
Pearce IP is one of few firms with a truly Trans-Tasman offering in ANZ. Not only are our patent and trade mark attorneys registered in Australia and New Zealand, we also have a number of lawyers who are registered in both regions, creating a truly seamless – and unique – regional IP offering. I am delighted to see further growth ahead for our New Zealand operations.”
About Pearce IP
Pearce IP is a specialist firm offering intellectual property specialist lawyers and attorneys with a focus on the life sciences industries. Pearce IP and its leaders are ranked in every notable legal directory for legal, patent and trade mark excellence, including: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, WIPR Leaders, 5 Star IP Lawyers, among others.
In 2025, Pearce IP was recognised by Australasian Lawyer and New Zealand Lawyer’s 5 Star Employer of Choice, and is the “Standout Winner” for inclusion and culture for firms with less than 100 employees. Pearce IP was awarded “IP Team of the Year” by Lawyers Weekly at the 2021 Australian Law Awards. Pearce IP is recognised by Managing IP as the only leading ANZ IP firm with a female founder, and is certified by WEConnect International as women owned.