Dispute Resolution

Simpson Grierson has a comprehensive litigation offering, with a noteworthy capability for acting on cross-border disputes for New Zealand companies and overseas businesses active in New Zealand markets. The firm is active across a range of areas including competition and regulatory, public, insurance, construction and privacy law. Simpson Grierson also provides specialist expertise in ADR processes such as arbitration and mediation, and is a popular choice for government and publicly owned entities. Its clients include Marlborough Lines, Auckland Council and the Financial Markets Authority.

Simpson Grierson fields a well-regarded group of practitioners offering advice on a wide range of matters. The team regularly provides commercial dispute resolution expertise on trusts, insolvency, environmental law matters as well as regulatory investigations in Samoa and the Cook Islands. Ben Upton is a key contact.

"Simpson Grierson offer pragmatic advice on very complex matters."

"The firm's advice is always clear even when the issue is complex."

Simpson Grierson represented New Zealand Rugby Union in defence of a claim brought in the High Court alleging breach of duty of care towards an individual allegedly injured whilst playing rugby.

Richard Lange is a highly respected, Auckland-based former practice head who continues to play a leading role on key mandates, notably including those concerning complex contractual disputes. He also advises extensively on banking, insurance, and professional liability and negligence issues.

Jania Baigent is based in Auckland and acts on a wide variety of commercial litigation issues, notably including complex contractual, insurance, defamation and privacy-related matters.

Ben Upton is based in Auckland and is particularly active on contentious matters in Samoa and the Cook Islands. He focuses on banking litigation, with further expertise in employment and trust-related disputes.