Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Shortland Chambers is identified by interviewees as a "superb set of advocates" known for its impressive breadth and depth of expertise, with one observing: "They have many of the best in their fields." Alison Van Wyk is the chambers manager and first point of contact.

Adam Ross KC brings three decades of litigation experience to an extremely varied civil and commercial practice which incorporates a strong regulatory component. "Adam is very engaging and intelligent, and a very polished advocate. He would be my first choice on complex commercial litigation." "Adam is first-rate with a sound sense of the big picture and the central issues."

Alan Galbraith KC is a veteran barrister of over 40 years' standing and experience across the broadest range of civil and commercial issues, with noted strengths in the competition, financial services and insurance spaces.

Jenny Cooper KC is a versatile commercial litigator with particularly strong suits where competition, insolvency and regulatory issues are concerned and an increasingly noted capability in the public interest litigation sphere. "Jenny is sharp, commercial and a truly compelling advocate."

Stephen Hunter KC continues to attract high praise for his management of a broad corporate and commercial caseload within which high-stakes business disputes and financial services-related matters feature particularly prominently. "Stephen is very intelligent and responsive and considered, and he is a compelling advocate."

Bob Hollyman KC focuses closely, within the context of a company and commercial practice, on contractual, insolvency and tort-related issues, being particularly noted for his expertise in the law of misrepresentation and breach of contract. "Bob is a very client-friendly barrister, always happy to help and providing a very client-focused service."

Bruce Gray KC operates across a broad range of civil and public law issues, attracting particularly high praise for his work on insurance, media law and tort-related mandates. He is further noted for his highly accomplished advocacy and reassuring manner with clients.

John Dixon KC combines commercial and criminal litigation expertise and experience, the latter including prosecutorial assignments in both New Zealand and the USA. He often acts on behalf of such bodies as the Commerce Commission, FMA and SFO, but is also active in defence roles. "John is extremely skilled and knowledgeable in the law and thorough in his preparation."

Matthew Harris is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in the construction and insurance fields and in handling class actions and professional liability issues. "Matthew is strategic, hard-working and on top of the details. He is also a real team player."

Simon Ladd is an expert in commercial and regulatory litigation. He is regularly instructed on insurance, tort and construction disputes and has provided counsel in various regulatory investigations.

Andrew Barker KC centres his practice on commercial litigation, often representing clients in contract and tort as well as shareholder disputes. He also contributes to the profession from an academic standpoint, regularly hosting national seminars and presentations. "Andrew is very experienced and used to dealing with a broad range of commercial issues, so a safe pair of hands."

Daniel McLellan KC is instructed across a broad range of commercial litigation mandates, winning particular praise for his expert handling of defamation and insurance issues. "Daniel is strong in a number of areas, but especially advocacy."

David Cooper KC focuses on complex, business-related litigation, acting frequently on disputes arising out of contractual provisions, takeovers, securities-related questions and regulatory investigations. "David is very bright, across the detail, thoughtful and considered."

John Billington KC combines broad commercial and regulatory litigation experience with a noted criminal practice and a similarly strong track record in the handling of health and safety-related cases. "John is strategic, provides robust advice and works very well with his instructing solicitors."

Nura Taefi KC is an experienced civil and commercial litigator building an impressive reputation as a skilled advocate. "Nora Taefi is an emerging star. She's also very smart, tactical, a good communicator and very easy to work with."

Robert Stewart KC is a specialist in defamation disputes and advises many of New Zealand's most prominent digital, broadcast and print media outlets. Disputes often centre on issues of freedom of expression, suppression and privacy.

Sarah Armstrong KC enjoys an established reputation as a highly effective litigator, developed in over 25 years of private practice. She is active across an impressively broad range of, among others, company, financial services and securities-related disputes. "Sarah has significant expertise in complex, legally and factually challenging disputes. She brings a level head and clear advice with commercial and strategic acumen."

Clive Elliott KC is considered to be one of New Zealand's pre-eminent IP silks and is regularly noted for displaying particular flair when it comes to handling especially complex matters, those involving trans-Tasman elements or those arising from the IT sector. "Clive is outstanding. He is the best IP KC in the country. My team thoroughly enjoy working with him."

Kevin Glover is widely acknowledged for his intellectual property expertise, being both a published authority in the field and a much sought-after advocate who covers the full spectrum of copyright, patent, trade mark and associated issues. "Kevin provided a solid service with clear communication."