Ben Upton

Ben is a highly experienced litigator and advisor with expertise in commercial, banking, insolvency, trust and property disputes. He is also sought after to advise on work in various Pacific Island jurisdictions and on international trust disputes.

He is well-known for his expertise in Pacific Islands related work having worked over many years on matters connected to the Cooks Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. He will also work closely with local lawyers in those jurisdictions in larger matters, both in the non-contentious (larger project) and contentious (larger disputes) matters, where support is very often required.

Ben regularly appears as counsel in courts at all levels, arbitrations and tribunals. He has advised in numerous mediations and negotiations in a wide variety of contentious matters, ranging from the large and complex to the nuanced and discrete. He is known for his expertise in Cook Islands international trusts law.

Ben is results focused and always has an eye to finding an appropriate commercial solution.

Member of the International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL)

Member of the Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association of New Zealand (RITANZ)

Member of the Banking & Financial Services Law Association (BFSLA)

Admitted as barrister in the Cook Islands and can appear in other Pacific Island courts (Samoa and Fiji)