Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution - New Zealand
What the Team is Known For
Chapman Tripp fields an admired team of skilled litigators experienced in a range of contentious commercial matters, with leading expertise in construction, insurance and intellectual property disputes. The firm is also highlighted for its representation of clients in proceedings brought by regulatory bodies, including the Inland Revenue and the Financial Markets Authority. The team offers dedicated arbitration expertise, with experience acting as arbitration counsel and as arbitrators on domestic and international disputes. Chapman Tripp often acts on behalf of both New Zealand entities and multinational corporations in multi-jurisdictional cases, and is prominent in the handling of cases addressing novel questions of law in such areas as climate change or the interaction of modern legislation with indigenous custom.
Strengths
The team at Chapman Tripp deliver high end work. When it is something very complex or important they are the firm we tend to go to.
Chapman Tripp are high quality, consistent, proactive and responsive.
Work Highlights
New Zealand Rugby instructed Chapman Tripp to act for it in litigation against its former sponsor, INEOS Group.
Notable practitioners
John McKay has practised as a commercial litigator for over 30 years, being particularly well-known for his handling of high-profile construction and media-related disputes.
He is a truly exceptional litigator and a trusted pair of hands.
Tim Smith maintains a notably varied commercial practice in which matters for major players in the energy and telecommunications spheres feature significantly. He is based in Wellington and is experienced in handling matters heard by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and is one of the best litigators out there. He listens and proactively responds to client needs and feedback.
We use Tim for litigation as he's ridiculously smart and can get his head around complicated matters. He is also incredibly responsive.
Justin Graham leads Chapman Tripp's litigation department. He offers expertise in commercial litigation and intellectual property-related disputes representing both national and international clients.
Justin is highly intelligent and is an experienced litigator that we trust. He works tirelessly to ensure the best possible case is put forward.
Nicola Swan is based in Wellington and stands out for her extensive experience of cross-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration, as well as for a strong focus on contentious climate risk-related issues.
Nicola is highly engaged with deep expertise.
Nicola Swan is an outstandingly smart and pragmatic litigator who is easy to deal with.
Sam Holden is very well-regarded commercial litigator with in-depth experience in the construction field. He is also sought by clients in the energy sector to advise on complex disputes.
Sam has provided brilliant oversight and management of a large, complex matter.
Sam is a hugely intelligent and personable litigator on the rise. He is very commercial and a coming superstar.