I help businesses and private individuals to resolve disputes as well as issues about their current obligations such as leases, agreements, contracts, employment matters and relationships. I also represent clients in Courts and Tribunals and help them to recover moneys owing. I provide general employment advice and act as an external Human Resources resource for a number of small business clients and employees. If you are looking for a lawyer who:
then I can help.
While litigation is sometimes the most appropriate way to resolve a dispute, in other circumstances negotiation, mediation or dialogue with the other party works just as effectively, if not better. Because I’ve had vast experience dealing with difficult disputes (both in New Zealand and overseas) I can suggest the best way forward and put my clients at ease quickly.
When I start working with a new client I like to meet in person to understand their problem and the outcome they’re looking for. I can then provide my initial appraisal of the pitfalls and risks and a suggested way forward.
I encourage full communication. I’m nearly always available on the phone and I believe it’s important to get back to people quickly. My clients tell me I give good practical, pragmatic and timely advice.
I’m very conscious of the fact that lawyers are expensive so, if you choose to work with me, I will let you know the steps involved and the likely cost.
I will keep you informed about how costs are tracking against estimate to prevent a nasty surprise.
Two of my biggest achievements were winning a High Court claim for the owner on a structurally defective home and having a Director client accused of aiding a tax default, being absolved of any penalty for personal wrong doing by the Court, as well as defending a client in a five day jury trial.
I was drawn to litigation and dispute resolution after participating in speech competitions at school. I also enjoyed advocacy at university.
I worked at the Crown Law Office in Wellington before joining McVeagh Fleming in 1994. I moved to London in 1996 and worked for a number of firms including Sidley Austin and Beachcrofts before moving back to New Zealand, and McVeagh Fleming, in 2004. I became a partner in 2007.
BA, Victoria University of Wellington 1990
LLB, Victoria University of Wellington 1992
Admitted to the New Zealand Bar, 1993
Qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales, 1998
Scandle v Far North District Council (CA) (2011)
Northbridge Holdings Ltd v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (2011) 25 NZTC 20-035
Scandle v Far North District Council 30 July 2010 High Court, Whangarei Duffy J 33 TCL 33/2
Satnam Investments Ltd v Worger (2009) 10 NZCPR 235
Wall v Malone 20 July 2010 Weathertight Homes Tribunal [2010] NZWHT Auckland 21
Evans v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (CA); Commissioner of Inland Revenue v Evans (2008) 23 NZTC 22, 013
Tempus Fugit Systems Ltd v Team Progress Ltd 3 May 2006 High Court, Auckland [2006] BCL 749
Harris v Attorney-General 5 July 2006 High Court, Auckland [2006] BCL 655; 29 TCL 31/6
McGowan v Programmed Maintenance Services Ltd 29 June 2009, Employment Relations Authority, Christchurch CA91/09
Heller v Atlas Quarries Ltd 26 July 2010, Employment Relations Authority, Auckland AA199A/10
Blake v Senate Nursing Bureau Ltd 28 October 2008, Employment Relations Authority, Auckland AA369/08
Garrett v Tempus Fugit Systems Ltd 10 April 2008 Employment Relations Authority, Auckland AA134/08
Centurion GSM Ltd (t/a Digital Mobile) v McCarthy 25 June 2007 Employment Court, Auckland AC38/07
Ward v Maccol Developments Ltd 21 August 2007, Weathertight Homes Resolution Service, Claim No 823
Don v G R International Ltd 21 December 2005, High Court, Auckland AJ Sargisson 29 TCL 9/3
Fox v Atlas Quarries Ltd 28 August 2007, Employment Relations Authority, Auckland AA265/07
Harris v Atlas Concrete Ltd 19 December 2005, Employment Relations Authority, Auckland AA488/05
Holtz v Meierhofer [2005] DCR 97
Creative Intelligence Associates v Adams Unreported Employment Court (AEC87/95)
Greenberg v Manhattan Licensing Ltd Unreported Employment Court (AEC111/95)
Outside of work I enjoy general fitness activity and sports including snow skiing and social football. I also have two young children. I love spending time with them and watching them grow.