In today’s unpredictable global environment, where economic conditions shift quickly, supply chains are disrupted, and regulations vary across borders, businesses need legal support from a firm that can move with them, adapt quickly, and deliver solutions across jurisdictions.

Whether you're expanding internationally, navigating regulatory obligations, managing global teams, or dealing with cross-border transactions and disputes, trusted legal support with strong global connections gives your business a real advantage.

Trusted legal help, wherever you operate

Too often, businesses needing legal support overseas are left to search blindly for local representation or rely on unfamiliar firms in unfamiliar legal systems. That’s where leveraging international legal networks can help.

In a recent article by Geoff Adlam (published on capitalletter.co.nz), it was noted that just 17 New Zealand firms are part of a global law firm network. McVeagh Fleming is proud to be one of them, representing New Zealand as the sole member of Ally Law - a global alliance of more than 70 independent law firms in over 50 countries, and recognised as a Chambers Top Tier (Band 1) Leading Law Firm Network in the Global Market Leaders category.

Reduced cost and complexity

As a client, you gain access to local expertise in overseas markets, without the complexity or cost of dealing with a multinational firm. Through Ally Law, we coordinate legal support across countries and continents, ensuring your business is protected and well-represented, no matter where you operate.

We provide:

• access to vetted overseas lawyers we know and trust
  
• a consistent legal strategy through clear coordination
  
• a single point of contact - depending on the matter, you may continue working directly with McVeagh Fleming while we manage the input and advice from the overseas firm.

The goal is a seamless, integrated experience that saves you time, reduces risk, and improves outcomes.

Helping you move confidently across borders

Common scenarios where our clients benefit from this global reach include:

• New Zealand businesses expanding into Australia, Asia, or North America
• Overseas companies investing in or setting up operations in New Zealand
• Cross-border mergers, transactions, disputes, and IP protection
• Immigration and visa support, including the Active Investor Plus Visa

Why it matters now

In today’s globalised world, legal issues increasingly cross borders, and they’re often more complex than they appear. Regulatory requirements shift quickly, tax obligations differ from country to country, and employment and immigration rules can be difficult to navigate without the right support. Missteps can be costly - financially, operationally and reputationally.

Here are just a few situations where international legal exposure can arise unexpectedly:

• Sanctions and export controls: Businesses can inadvertently breach sanctions through their supply chains, financial intermediaries, or foreign partnerships, even without direct dealings with restricted countries or individuals.
  
• Tax residency and reporting: Operating or investing overseas may trigger tax obligations in more than one country. Failing to manage this can result in double taxation or non-compliance penalties.
  
• Hiring and immigration: Employing staff across borders, sponsoring overseas workers, or transferring employees between countries involves immigration law, employment regulations, and visa conditions that vary widely.
  
• Remote work and digital nomads: Allowing staff to work abroad (even temporarily) can create unexpected obligations around payroll, health and safety, or local employment law.
  
• Cross-border data and privacy: Handling customer or employee data across jurisdictions must comply with laws like GDPR, Australia’s Privacy Act, or New Zealand’s Privacy Act, all of which differ in scope and enforcement.
  
• Foreign direct investment and business setup: Establishing a presence overseas, or welcoming overseas investment, often involves complex legal structures, compliance issues, and local registration requirements.
  
• Litigation and dispute resolution: Disputes involving foreign parties can trigger questions around jurisdiction, enforcement of judgments, or access to local representation.
  

Whether you’re expanding offshore, working with international clients or suppliers, or managing a mobile workforce, getting advice that accounts for both New Zealand and overseas requirements is essential.

Here when you need us

Since 1997, McVeagh Fleming has built strong, trusted relationships with law firms around the world through our membership in Ally Law. That foundation gives our clients a powerful advantage: deep local knowledge backed by global perspective.

If your business is active, or planning to be active internationally, or if you simply want peace of mind that your legal team can support you beyond New Zealand, we’re here to help.