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 as "one of Auckland's top sets; it is huge and is full of high-quality barristers." Another similarly maintains: "Barristers of the set are extremely competent." 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 Meechan KC is one of the real go-to silks in New Zealand."

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 a consummate professional. He is meticulous in his preparation and presents a great case. One thing that really impressed me was Jeremy's ability to cross-examine expert witnesses."

Tom Weston KC enjoys a strong reputation for his broad and highly varied commercial litigation practice which incorporates a particularly strong construction and trust-related component. "He is a wonderful leader and strategist, and is incredibly responsive."

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.

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.

Sarah Jerebine is well reputed for disputes in the public law sphere, with significant experience advising the Crown. "Sarah is very thorough, with a wealth of experience in judicial review cases."

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, and is additionally noted as an accomplished handler of certain classes of criminal case and complex commercial disputes. "He is very perceptive, he listens intently when being briefed, cleverly ties threads together and identifies issues and ways to address them." "Simon is incredibly personable. He is a superb lawyer."

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. "As an advocate he is persuasive and unflappable in court." "Jason has an outstanding legal mind and superb judgement."

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.

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. "She is an extremely competent lawyer who provides us with not only sound legal advice but also walks us through the implications of the available options, and offers pragmatic and practical solutions."

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.