What the team is known for
Buddle Findlay is highly regarded for its expertise in health and safety matters, including regulatory compliance and defence against WorkSafe prosecutions. Other areas of strength include workplace investigations and disciplinary processes, as well as mediations between union members and employers. Additionally assists on all employment aspects of large M&A deals. Notable clients include New Zealand Police, Sky Television and Coca-Cola Oceania.
Strengths
A client praises the team's "expertise and quality of partners," who are "accessible and user-friendly," noting: "They are committed to securing the best outcome for all parties."
Notable practitioners
Hamish Kynaston is well regarded in the market for his contentious employment practice. He often acts for public sector clients in the health and education sectors on complex issues, including harassment, redundancy and equal pay.
Mere King advises on a broad range of employment issues including transactions, redundancy and disciplinary matters. She is particularly noted for her increasing track record in disputes. An interviewee describes her as
"a great lawyer who is really pragmatic." Peter Chemis has a strong reputation for advising prominent governmental clients on litigious matters, including health and safety prosecutions. A client says:
"He's exceptionally skilled and experienced, pragmatic, knowledgeable and able to turn complex issues into simple ones." Sherridan Cook acts for a number of large corporate and public clients on the full range of employment issues, including employment advice regarding corporate restructures, redundancy, post-employment obligations and collective bargaining. Clients appreciate that he is
"pragmatic and willing to challenge a position the client has."