Cruickshanks Solicitors

John Cruickshank LLB (NZ) – Solicitor – Advocate admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand in 1975 and in the United Kingdom in 1990. He brings a wealth of experience as a former prosecutor, defence counsel and Privy Council Agent. In the last 20 years John has concentrated on Company & Property Law, leasehold enfranchisement and property related litigation. He was educated at Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University.

John is a keen sailor, oenophile and follower of Formula 1 and Moto GP and past holder of an International Motor Racing Licence. He is a former President of Hampstead Lions Club Inc, a member of Employment Lawyers Association and London Solicitors Litigation Association. He was a community volunteer for Citizens Advice bureau for over 15 years and a former VSO (Volunteer Service Abroad 1976)

Dr Xiaojiu Zhu (PhD) - 朱小久 a Director. Dr Zhu was born in Beijing, graduated from Ocean University China, obtained her PhD in Biochemistry in America and worked for a number of years as a post doctorate scientist at MIT USA in the field of host immunity and vaccine development. She continued her work in London at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Medical Research Council before studying law. She completed her articles with Clifford Chance and worked briefly for Rouse & Co International London office, a firm specialising in Intellectual property before joining Cruickshanks. Dr Zhu is a native Chinese of Mandarin speaker.

Dr Zhu acts for private and corporate clients, who have a global reach in company acquisitions, commercial leases, property matters, intellectual property, and immigration. She also devotes her time to charity work and Chinese education.