I provide advice and representation in:

Regulatory matters

I have specialist expertise in competition law and other economic regulation with particular experience acting for clients engaging with the Commerce Commission in merger applications, investigations and in court proceedings brought by that agency. I have provided extensive advice in the electricity industry acting for the Electricity Authority over many years and, prior to that role, for industry participants including in the wider energy sector.

Disputes

I am an experienced commercial litigator having advised in some of NZ’s largest commercial disputes, regulatory proceedings and court cases. My experience includes large scale contractual disputes and negligence claims, regulatory/administrative law actions, judicial reviews, banking matters and class actions.

Inquiries and reviews

I have been involved in many public inquiries and reviews including acting for The Salvation Army in the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, for Danone in the Ministerial Inquiry into the Fonterra whey protein concentrate issue and for Talent2 in the Ministerial Inquiry into the Novopay project. In addition to representing clients in such matters, as an independent lawyer, I am well positioned to undertake inquiries and reviews.

Strategy and governance

I have successfully managed many large scale and multi-faceted legal projects. I am used to working in high profile and challenging settings. This experience, along with my time as a member of the Bell Gully board and in other leadership roles within the firm and my commerce degree (in economics), has given me extensive knowledge and experience of business, commercial and regulatory strategy, performance/financial drivers and key corporate policies. I assist clients with wider business and legal strategy considerations.

‘Fresh eyes’

I am good at dealing with detail in analysing and evaluating complex information, evaluating evidence (both documentary and witness) and in applying legal frameworks. But, I also pride myself in being able to “cut to the chase” and to bring a good dose of pragmatism and common-sense to analysing issues. I assist clients (including other lawyers) by bringing a fresh pair of eyes to an issue, to assist in reviewing and developing strategy and I can provide formal second opinions.