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Stout Street Chambers
Department profile | Stout Street Chambers
Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Chambers Review

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Dispute Resolution: The Bar - New Zealand

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Stout Street Chambers is the largest chambers in Wellington, bringing together 27 advocates with expertise covering an exhaustive range of civil, commercial and public law issues, including noted specialists in construction, energy, insolvency, regulatory and tax matters. It is noted by sources as offering "extensive experience among the senior members and an impressive set of junior barristers" who are "very client conscious and work on solid relationships." It is principally focused upon court or tribunal-based litigation, though set members also act on advisory matters and are, in several instances, able to act in arbitrations or mediations.

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
Justin Smith
1
Band 1
Justin Smith KC offers some 40 years' experience of the commercial scene, his recent work having included noteworthy briefs in the construction, directors' duties and trust litigation spheres.

Justin Smith is incredibly bright and gets up to speed very quickly.

Justin is a superb trial advocate.

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1
Mike Lennard
1
Band 1
Mike Lennard is particularly well qualified to advise and advocate on taxation-related issues, his career including not only extensive experience in private practice but also an eight-year stint as the Inland Revenue's director of litigation. Active across the full spectrum of contentious tax work, he is particularly well known for his representation of taxpayers charged with serious tax evasion offences.

Mike brings a rare combination of legal insight and practical understanding of the tax system.

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2
Esther Watt
2
Band 2

Esther Watt is recognised as a capable junior with experience in complex commercial disputes for both private and public-sector clients. She has appeared in significant cases across all levels of the New Zealand courts.

Esther's cross-examination, advocacy and work rate were excellent. She was a pleasure to work with, and we would definitely instruct her again.

Esther Watt was able to give the clients confidence that they were in safe hands.

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2
James Every-Palmer
2
Band 2
James Every-Palmer KC is well reputed for complex competition and commercial disputes, in addition to being noted for his public sector experience.

James is a rigorous analyst with a formidable ability to parse technical detail.

James Every-Palmer is a standout King's Counsel. His blend of legal excellence, client care and strategic thinking makes him an invaluable asset to any organisation facing legal challenges.

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2
Mike Colson
2
Band 2
Mike Colson KC conducts a wide-ranging practice which incorporates particularly significant expertise and experience where insolvency-related issues or those arising from the energy or property sectors are concerned.

Mike Colson is an excellent lawyer, particularly when faced with complex matters. He is one of the most commercially minded lawyers I have ever worked with.

Mike is a first-class barrister. He is brilliant on his feet, hugely commercial and with a constant eye on client interests and overall strategy.

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3
Jack Wass
3
Band 3

Jack Wass is an experienced litigator noted for his expertise in international law and arbitration. He regularly acts for public and private clients in multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is a member of the Law Society's Law Reform Committee.

Jack Wass has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and always produces great results.

Jack has provided us with invaluable advice, demonstrating exceptional legal expertise, strategic insight and client-focused service.

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3
Les Taylor
3
Band 3
Les Taylor KC has litigated matters in courts at all levels for over 30 years, maintaining a varied practice within which construction, energy, employment and environmental issues feature prominently. He is particularly well known for his insurance-related expertise and his representation both of leading insurers, and of insureds facing professional indemnity, public liability and statutory liability claims.
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Ranked Barristers at
Stout Street Chambers

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Band

Silks (KC)

New Zealand

Dispute Resolution: The Bar
1
Justin Smith KC
1
Band 1
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2
James Every-Palmer KC
2
Band 2
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2
Mike Colson KC
2
Band 2
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3
Les Taylor KC
3
Band 3
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Juniors

New Zealand

Dispute Resolution: The Bar
2
Esther Watt
2
Band 2
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3
Jack Wass
3
Band 3
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Tax: The Bar
1
Mike Lennard
1
Band 1
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