Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Bankside Chambers is generally acknowledged to be both one of the largest and one of the most prestigious sets in Auckland, with a source noting that the "depth and breadth of talent means that Bankside can support our clients on the most complex of disputes." Another similarly reports: "At Bankside it is possible to engage counsel on any kind of dispute; it is the complete package." The chambers is also acknowledged for upholding a tradition of eminence in the alternative dispute resolution sphere, housing leading arbitrators and mediators and maintaining a permanent presence in the arbitration hub of Singapore. Eleni Balmer is the chambers manager and recommended contact.

Christine Meechan KC is known for her adept management of large and complex pieces of litigation in general, and for expert handling of construction and insurance-related disputes in particular. "Christine goes the extra mile for her clients and knows how to get the best out of her instructing solicitors. She has a keen eye for detail and is an exceptional advocate."

Jeremy Johnson is active in a variety of areas of commercial litigation and arbitration, with expertise across trusts, relationship property and company law. "Jeremy is extremelyintelligent and has deep understanding of the law. He is also a good presenter and speaker on his feet, passionate about law and up to date with developments in the latest cases."

Tom Weston KC enjoys a strong reputation for his broad and highly varied commercial litigation practice which incorporates particularly strong construction and trust-related components. "Tom is a five-star silk and among the go-to silks in New Zealand." "Tom is amazing to work with for being highly accessible and prompt, and an outstanding advocate."

Lauren Lindsay is noted for simultaneously maintaining busy domestic litigation and international arbitration practices, acting on matters arising from an impressively varied range of business sectors and addressing both complex contractual disputes and criminal cases with significant commercial components. "Lauren is strategic and I recommend her to anybody."

Sarah Jerebine is well reputed for disputes in the public law sphere, with significant experience advising the Crown. "Ms Jerebine is an excellent advocate and adviser."

Simon Foote KC focuses closely on disputes arising in the construction and engineering spheres, offering extensive experience in the fields of both litigation and international arbitration. He is additionally noted as an accomplished handler of certain classes of criminal cases and complex commercial disputes.

Graeme Christie specialises in construction law disputes, bringing to the table over 40 years' experience in the space, acquired largely with leading solicitors' firms in both New Zealand and London. "Graeme is extremely experienced and a tireless advocate for his clients."

Jason Goodall KC maintains a varied commercial litigation practice which embraces a significant body of financial services-related work and significant experience at the High Court and Court of Appeal levels. "Jason is an excellent operator, smart and practical. He is very pleasant to work with and is a go-to for commercial litigation."

Philip Skelton KC is a vastly experienced barrister who brings over a decade of experience as a partner at a prominent law firm. He is well known for representing clients in sizeable class actions as well as employment disputes. "Philip Skelton is highly competent and strategically strong."

Polly Pope is an experienced litigator with over 20 years' experience in private practice. She offers particular expertise in insolvency and restructuring. "Polly is a very approachable person and is calm in difficult situations."

Rebecca Rose conducts a varied practice, spanning civil, commercial and public law issues, but is particularly well known for her handling of high-stakes cases involving private clients and disputes involving trusts and estates. "Rebecca fought incredibly hard for us and worked around the clock. She is an amazingly clever strategist and advocate." "Rebecca is hugely talented beyond her years, technically excellent across an incredibly broad range of legal matters and very user-friendly. She is not afraid of taking hard cases."

Kelly Quinn KC is a leading construction law barrister. A former Crown prosecutor, he also practised law in Hong Kong and has become a trusted and respected advocate. "Kelly is a very safe pair of hands and highly regarded by both practitioners and clients in the construction law arena."

Deborah Chambers KC is widely recognised for her handling of relationship property and trust litigation matters generally, and of high-profile divorce cases in particular, with her handling of such matters when they involve multi-jurisdictional aspects attracting especially favourable notice. "Deborah is the first and foremost relationship property lawyer." "Deborah always has an eye on the bigger picture and is an excellent advocate."