Simpson Grierson has a comprehensive litigation offering, with a noteworthy capability for acting on cross-border disputes for New Zealand companies and overseas businesses active in New Zealand markets. The firm is active across a range of areas including competition and regulatory, public, insurance, construction and privacy law. Simpson Grierson also provides specialist expertise in ADR processes such as arbitration and mediation, and is a popular choice for government and publicly-owned entities. Its key clients include Waikato District Health Board, Auckland Council and the Financial Markets Authority.

Simpson Grierson fields a well-regarded group of practitioners offering advice on a wide range of matters. The team regularly provides commercial dispute resolution expertise on trusts, insolvency, environmental law matters as well as regulatory investigations in Samoa and the Cook Islands.

"They have demonstrated that they are completely across and experienced in all matters regarding this action and its complexity."

"They are highly experienced and seasoned litigators with great expertise across multiple disciplines. They are client-focused and highly responsive."

Simpson Grierson represented Auckland Council in judicial review proceedings brought by four commercial accommodation owners and operators to challenge Auckland Council's decision to introduce a targeted rate on commercial accommodation providers.

Richard Lange is a highly respected, Auckland-based former practice head who continues to play leading roles on key mandates, notably including those concerning complex contractual disputes. He also advises extensively on banking, insurance, and professional liability and negligence issues.

Jania Baigent is based in Auckland and acts on a wide variety of commercial litigation issues, notably including complex contractual, insurance, defamation and privacy-related matters. She attracts regular client praise for her combination of strategic insight with high levels of accessibility, availability and pragmatism. "She is a highly effective litigator."

Anne Callinan combines her role as Simpson Grierson's chair with a busy litigation practice. Best known for her competition expertise, she also advises on a varied range of consumer and securities-related matters and on regulatory issues. She is based in Auckland.

Ben Upton is based in Auckland and is particularly active on contentious matters in Samoa and the Cook Islands. He focuses on banking litigation, with further expertise in employment and trust-related disputes. "He strikes the perfect balance between advising and listening to his clients, and has an ability to focus on the big picture and help clients to achieve great outcomes."