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Stout Street Chambers

Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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Stout Street Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Dispute Resolution: The Bar - New Zealand

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.

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Notable Practitioners

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  • Justin Smith
    Justin Smith

    Justin Smith

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Justin is a superb trial advocate.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Mike Lennard
    Mike Lennard

    Mike Lennard

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Esther Watt
    Esther Watt

    Esther Watt

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific

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

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • James Every-Palmer
    James Every-Palmer

    James Every-Palmer

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific

    • 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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Mike Colson
    Mike Colson

    Mike Colson

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific

    • 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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Jack Wass
    Jack Wass

    Jack Wass

    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.

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific

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

      Dispute Resolution: The Bar respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Les Taylor
    Les Taylor

    Les Taylor

    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 (7)

New Zealand

Stout Street Chambers has rankings in the following guides

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