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Simpson Grierson
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Public Law

About

Provided by Simpson Grierson

Simpson Grierson has the largest public law practice of any law firm in New Zealand. We have unsurpassed experience in public and administrative law, which we use to benefit clients in both the public and private sectors. 

We provide public sector organisations with policy and statutory interpretation and development, and legislative strategy and drafting services. We have been involved in the drafting of a number of significant statutes.

A major part of our practice is assisting public sector organisations defend claims and challenges to their decisions.

Increasingly we assist private sector clients across all industries in developing strategies for working effectively with government, and understanding government processes. This includes facilitating contact with, and preparing for representations to, Ministers and officials, government departments, and other representatives and advisers. We also assist with appearances before select committees and inquiries, and analysis of new legislation and policy.

Our leading local government practice is an important part of our wider public law offering. We advise over 60 local authorities, including the major metropolitan councils in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch on a range of public and administrative law issues, including both public law advisory and litigation matters.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Public Law - New Zealand

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Simpson Grierson fields a versatile team that can address the full range of issues faced by public sector bodies at all levels, and is particularly well-known for its unrivalled profile in the local government space. The firm maintains a national presence advising city and regional councils across New Zealand, with offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The team has substantial expertise in the Resource Management Act and funding mechanism matters for key areas such as housing, health and utilities. The practice is highly proficient in legislation, infrastructure and governance matters.

Work Highlights

  • Simpson Grierson represented Marlborough District Council in a judicial review proceeding that was brought by Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau Trust, which represents a group of South Island iwi with interests in land and customary sites along the east coast of the South Island.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Simpson Grierson have a real depth of experience, particularly in local authority public law. I have no hesitation in using them for the most difficult and high-profile judicial reviews.

Public Law respondent
Asia-Pacific

The staff are incredibly personable and relate well to me and my organisation. They deliver exactly what they say they will, and have strong local government experience and knowledge.

Public Law respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Jonathan Salter
S
Jonathan Salter
S
Senior Statespeople

Jonathan Salter is a Wellington-based consultant. He is particularly well known as a specialist in the representation of local authorities, an area in which he has practised for over 30 years. He offers focused expertise concerning the funding of local authorities generally, and of their infrastructure in particular.

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Padraig McNamara
1
Padraig McNamara
1
Band 1

Padraig McNamara is a highly reputed public law litigator based in Auckland. He acts frequently as an adviser to local government on a variety of public law matters, most notably in relation to environmental issues.

Padraig is an excellent public lawyer. He has a good eye for detail and the bigger picture. He is an effective advocate with a lovely manner in court, which is well suited to public law claims.

Padraig is a specialist in environmental and public law. He has a lot of experience in local government-related issues. We instruct him on complex matters that require specialist capabilities.

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Sally McKechnie
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Sally McKechnie
1
Band 1

Sally McKechnie is a well-regarded Wellington-based litigator noted for her work on contentious public law matters. She frequently acts for central government and public sector clients in a variety of cases, including judicial reviews and royal commissions.

Sally led her team with skill and provided us with exceptional advice. We trust her implicitly from an advice perspective but also in her ability to publicly represent us.

Sally understands that the political world changes very quickly. She's very nimble on her feet and can seriously solve problems. She has an ability to anticipate change and to see around corners.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Simpson Grierson

Provided by Chambers
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New Zealand

Public Law
Jonathan Salter
S
Jonathan Salter
S
Senior Statespeople
View Profile
Padraig McNamara
1
Padraig McNamara
1
Band 1
View Profile
Sally McKechnie
1
Sally McKechnie
1
Band 1
View Profile

Members

Provided by Simpson Grierson

Donna Hurley

Gerald Lanning

Graeme Palmer

Padraig McNamara

Padraig McNamara

Head of Department

Sally McKechnie

Sally McKechnie

Head of Department