A word from the event partner
Aya Riola General Manager New Zealand, LexisNexis
Excellence Awardees
What to expect on the night
2023 Sponsors
Law Firm Leader of the Year (1-100 Employees)
The New Zealand Law Awards came back with a bang in November, marking the second in-person event following 2021’s virtual ceremony, and the energy in the room was joyful and celebratory. Attendees and winners remarked on the importance of in-person connection, celebration and support, and mental health and wellbeing was a key theme throughout the evening. The anticipation was higher than ever this year, with winners and Excellence Awardees recognised across 27 different categories. The awards covered everything from major market deals to high-performing teams, impactful
Event partner
Award sponsors
Official media
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Law Firm Leader of the Year (101-500 Employees)
Law Firm Leader of the Year (>500 Employees)
Insurance In-house Team of the Year
Resolution Institute Australian Arbitrator of the Year
Resolution Institute Australian Mediator of the Year
Legal Service Provider of the Year
NZ Deal Firm of the Year
Boutique Firm of the Year
Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year (35 or under)
Australian Dealmaker of the Year
NZ Dealmaker of the Year
NZ Law Awards celebrates achievements of profession
The highly anticipated event at Auckland's Cordis hotel showcased the most outstanding law firms, in-house legal teams, individuals and dealmakers of 2023
We are thrilled for LexisNexis, a global leader in legal research and information technology solutions, to be welcomed as the official event partner for the prestigious New Zealand Law Awards 2023. LexisNexis is committed to advocating and celebrating excellence in the legal industry. The New Zealand Law Awards is the most esteemed and anticipated event on the New Zealand legal calendar, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and exceptional leadership across various practice areas and sectors. We look forward to bringing together legal professionals, thought leaders and industry experts to celebrate exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the legal field. LexisNexis has long been synonymous with cutting-edge legal technology and comprehensive research tools which streamline workflows and enhance the productivity of legal practitioners. We believe in supporting local while showcasing the latest advancements in legal technology, demonstrating how LexisNexis continues to drive innovation and transform the way legal professionals practise law with solutions derived from our global technology and Rule of Law advocacy. As an event partner, LexisNexis is dedicated to creating an enriching experience for all attendees of the New Zealand Law Awards 2023. We will continue to provide the NZ legal profession with valuable insights and interactive experiences that reflect our commitment towards providing exceptional legal excellence. LexisNexis is also sponsoring the Boutique Law Firm of the Year category, as we believe in supporting law firms in their quest to be pacesetters for their clients.
Debt Market Deal of the Year
Equity Market Deal of the Year
Infrastructure & Projects Deal of the Year
Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year
M&A Deal of the Year
Mid-Market Deal of the Year
transactions and outstanding individuals. The winners were determined through a rigorous research and judging process conducted by legal experts, and all winners can be proud of being recognised as the best of the best. A night of celebration and connection The giltz and glam of the New Zealand Law Awards makes it one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for the legal sector. It is a chance for the community to let its hair down and celebrate, and to recognise the immense hard work of the year gone by. 2023 brought big challenges for the industry. Floods and cyclones marked a difficult start to the year, and the election of a new government as it came to a close meant we were on the cusp of many potential changes. The hard work of legal professionals helped clients and businesses navigate these choppy waters with confidence, and event attendees highlighted the importance of acknowledging each other’s mahi. “We all had a brilliant time; the Law Awards are something we look forward to each year. It’s great to have a night together as a team celebrating the achievements of the profession,” said Tim Walden, managing partner at James & Wells, sponsor of the In-House Lawyer of the Year award. “Supporting the incredible work that the in-house community do each year is important to us as a firm. We want to acknowledge the efforts of the in-house community, and supporting this award is a great way to do that.” The event was made possible with the support of the 2023 Law Awards sponsor and event partner, LexisNexis New Zealand. LexisNexis New Zealand business development manager Abhi Patni praised the evening as a resounding success. He said the event partnership was a great opportunity to demonstrate the firm’s support and commitment to New Zealand’s legal industry. “It was great to connect in person in an increasingly digitised world,” Patni said. “While technology will drive efficiency and productivity, at LexisNexis we still believe the in-person human factor will be a key fundamental in our interaction with those who are important to us, our clients. “Supporting our New Zealand legal professionals is a key priority of LexisNexis NZ. We aim to be exceptional for our customers so that they are able to be exceptional for their clients and firm.” Candidates impress 2023’s judges To determine this year’s winners, details of each nominee were provided to an independent panel of judges, who assessed and scored each nomination. Judges praised winners’ abilities to handle extremely complex and technically difficult matters, particularly in highly regulated sectors and a challenging market environment. The awards also recognised the work of a number of outstanding individuals. Commenting on the winner of Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under), Bradley Aburn, the judges said it was “great to see a lawyer contributing in so many ways to the legal profession and the public”. Allison Arthur-Young of Russell McVeagh won Law Firm Leader of the Year (>100 Lawyers), and judges highlighted her “impressive leadership activities” and “vision and energy to take the firm forward from difficult times”. This year’s awards also recognised firms for their D&I work, with the trophy for Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year going to Laidlaw Law and Consultancy. Judges praised the firm’s “long list of achievements aimed at access to justice”, as well as its “strong impact in helping other organisations to build on tikanga practices”.
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METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD WINNERS
SPONSORS
AGENDA
Louise Martin
Ian MacKenzie
Karen Mace
Vicky Lee
Elena Kim
Lydia Johnston
Sam Hood
Francesca Greig
Vanessa Green
Sarah Gillies
Pip England
Andrew Cordner
David Bricklebank
Paris Bree
Jon Calder
Katie Bhreatnach
Kerry Anderson
Melissa Anastasiou
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the legal profession.
2023 Judging panel
Award sponsor
Designed For Legal Professionals | Regardless of your firm's size or law profession, our legal solutions are designed specifically for you. You Are Our Priority | A 108-year history of serving and supporting the New Zealand legal profession. Results You Can Trust | In-depth and comprehensive legal content and solutions coupled with intelligent AI technology. Contact details: Merv Giam, Head of Marketing Mobile: 0800 800 986 Email: merv.giam@lexisnexis.co.nz Website: www.lexisnexis.co.nz
Resolution Institute is a leading trans-Tasman association for mediators, arbitrators and adjudicators. In New Zealand we are approved to grant mediation accreditation for family dispute resolution and farm debt mediation. We provide an appointment process for individuals or organisations that require the services of a mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator, as well as training, accreditation and continuing professional development for mediators. Contact details: Trevor Slater FRI, Chief Operating Officer Phone: 0800 453 237 | DDI +64 (0) 4 974 8051 | M: +64 (0) 21 232 2027 Website: www.resolution.institute
Robert Walters is a world-leading specialist professional recruitment consultancy. Hiring managers worldwide rely on us to find their best specialist professionals, and our clients range from the largest corporates worldwide through to SMEs and startups. We recruit people for permanent, contract and interim roles across the world. Contact details: Email: auckland@robertwalters.co.nz Website: www.robertwalters.co.nz
Russell McVeagh is a leading full-service commercial law firm that operates at the cutting edge of legal practice in New Zealand. The firm's practice groups are respected as leaders in the market and work collaboratively together to assist Aotearoa's top organisations with their most complex, challenging and high-profile matters. Contact details: Jo Avenell, Chief Executive Officer Email: jo.avenell@russellmcveagh.com Phone: +64 (0) 9 367 8091 Website: www.russellmcveagh.com
Artemis is an award-winning premium executive search and recruitment firm that specialises in legal, human resources and executive leadership appointments. Offering bespoke recruitment and search services across a range of functional disciplines, including General Counsel, Partners, Lawyers, CEOs, Managing Directors, General Management, Senior to mid-Management and Non-Executive Directors, Artemis offers national, trans-Tasman and international search capability. The Artemis legal team specialises in all legal and legally related roles – from legal support roles (legal secretary, EA/PA, legal executive, etc) to Partner and General Counsel appointments. If you have a legal recruitment need, we can assist. Artemis is proud to support the ongoing development of the New Zealand legal profession. Contact details: Kathryn Cross, Managing Director Phone: +64 (0) 9 354 3543 Mobile: +27 (0) 700 8049 Email: kathryn.cross@artemisnz.com
Champagne sponsor
Ian MacKenzie Head of Legal, New Zealand Green Investment Finance
Karen Mace Head of Legal & Regulatory, The Co-operative Bank
Vicky Lee General Counsel, Fortysouth
Elena Kim Director, PwC Legal
Lydia Johnston Head of Data APAC | Director and Associate General Counsel | Legal, Meta
Sam Hood Managing Partner, Norris Ward McKinnon
Francesca Greig Senior Legal Counsel – Enforcement, Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Vanessa Green Senior Legal Counsel, Firstgas Group
Sarah Gillies Chief Executive, Electricity Authority
Pip England Chief Executive Partner, Chapman Tripp
Andrew Cordner Chief Legal Counsel, Te Whatu Ora: Health New Zealand
David Bricklebank General Counsel & Company Secretary, ANZ Bank New Zealand
Paris Bree General Counsel, New Zealand Oil & Gas
Jon Calder Chief Executive Officer, Tompkins Wake
Katie Bhreatnach Director of Global Women, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Trusts Arena Stadium and the College of Law
Anton Shead
Hiramai Rogers
Sarah Retter
Stella Kasoulides Paulson
Angela Parlane
Karyn O’Loughlin
Brent Norling
Phillipa Muir
Scott Moran
Dione Miller
Brent McAnulty
Garth Sinclair Partner, Webb Henderson
Anton Shead General Counsel and Company Secretary, Goodman New Zealand
Hiramai Rogers Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer, Tuatahi First Fibre
Sarah Retter Head of Legal NZ, Fujitsu New Zealand
Stella Kasoulides Paulson Senior Legal Counsel, Trade Me
Angela Parlane Managing Partner, Parlane Law
Karyn O’Loughlin General Counsel, DB Breweries
Brent Norling Director, Norling Law
Phillipa Muir Chair, Simpson Grierson
Scott Moran Partner, Duncan Cotterill
Brent McAnulty Interim CEO, TVNZ
Louise Martin Head of Legal Auckland International, Airport
Melissa Anastasiou General Counsel Spark New Zealand
Dione Miller Head of Legal – Dispute Resolution, Investigations and Regulatory, Bank of New Zealand
Kerry Anderson Partner, DLA Piper
A word from our event partner
Methodology
Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year
Employment Law Specialist Firm of the Year
Excellence in Technology & Innovation
Excellence in Employee Health & Wellbeing
Banking & Financial Service In-House Team of the Year
Daniel Wong
Jackie Waddams
Tania Turfrey
Mike Travis
Anna Thorburn
Greg Thompson
Melissa Soh-Newstead
Garth Sinclair
Greg Thompson Director, Thompson Blackie Biddles
Melissa Soh-Newstead General Counsel/Company Secretary, Silver Fern Farms
Tania Turfrey Legal Team Manager, Corporate & Registries Team | Legal, Ethics and Privacy Branch, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Mike Travis General Counsel, Harmoney
Anna Thorburn Group General Manager Corporate Services, Oceania Healthcare (Former)
Jackie Waddams General Counsel and Company Secretary, AIA New Zealand
Daniel Wong Director, Flacks & Wong
NZ In-house Team of the Year
Clayton Utz Australian In-house Team of the Year
Australian In-house Lawyer of the Year
Young In-House Lawyer of the Year (35 or under)
State/Regional Firm of the Year
Law Firm of the Year (>500 lawyers)
Diversity Initiative of the Year
Law Firm of the Year (101-500 lawyers)
Law Firm of the Year (1-100 Lawyers)
Fluid Legal is your expert legal search partner. We connect the sharpest legal talent with the best law firms and legal teams across New Zealand. As legal recruitment specialists and trusted advisers to the industry, our team have established a track record of delivering successful recruitment outcomes on the most challenging and talent-short assignments. Contact details: Peter Clark, Managing Director Mobile: +64 (0)21 278 8653 Email: peter@fluidrecruitment.com
18 MAY 2023 | THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY
Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year
Law Firm Leader of the Year (≤100 Lawyers)
Law Firm Leader of the Year (>100 Lawyers)
Resolution Institute Mediator of the Year
Robert Walters Large Law Firm of the Year
LEAP Legal Software Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year
Fluid Legal Recruitment Employer of Choice (<100 Lawyers)
Employer of Choice (>100 Lawyers)
LexisNexis Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Insurance Specialist Law Firm of the Year
Property & Construction Specialist Law Firm of the Year
Intellectual Property Specialist Law Firm of the Year
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Specialist Law Firm of the Year
Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under)
Russell McVeagh In-House Team of the Year
Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
Energy In-House Team of the Year
Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
James & Wells In-House Lawyer of the Year
Young In-House Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under)
Insolvency and Restructuring Deal of the Year
Project Finance Deal of the Year
Awards In Order of Presentation
Mike King first founded The Key to Life Charitable Trust back in 2008. His popular Sunday night radio show, The Nutters Club, prompted people to talk openly about their struggles with mental health and mental well-being. Soon after Mike began talking to kids in schools. He talked about his own vulnerabilities, his fears, and how his public persona was a front he put on to protect himself from criticism and judgement. In 2016 Mike went on to found I Am Hope. I Am Hope is a youth-led organisation that promotes mental health and mental well-being. I Am Hope offers our kids in schools with a number of mental wellbeing programs and resources designed to let them know that if they need to talk to a health professional then it’s perfectly normal to do so. In order to facilitate this process Mike created Gumboot Friday. Gumboot Friday is specifically designed to provide our kids with free professional help. Since 2019 Gumboot Friday has paid for almost 43000 sessions at a cost of 6.2 million dollars. King has built I Am Hope up to be the foremost non-government funded mental health agency in Aotearoa. He works tirelessly to make sure our kids can get to a better place and reach their full potential in life.
MC
Mike King
Hosted By Mike King MC
Entertainment
EVENT PARTNER
Stage One – Nominations The legal industry was invited to nominate and provide insight into the most outstanding individuals, firms or organisations of 2023. All nominations were submitted via the online nomination portal on the New Zealand Law Awards website.
Stage Five – Winners Using a simple points system to aggregate judges’ scores, the Excellence Awardee with the highest score in each category was selected as the winner of that category. Excellence Awardees were announced on NZ Lawyer’s online channels on 18 August. Overall winners were announced at the New Zealand Law Awards on 23 November at the Cordis Auckland.
Stage Four – Judging The New Zealand Law Awards team provided full details of each Excellence Awardee to an independent panel of judges. The panel assessed and scored each nomination according to the judging criteria.
Stage Two – Research The New Zealand Law Awards team conducted research and drew on industry knowledge and information gained through sister publication NZ Lawyer to supplement and support nominations received and identify the most outstanding firms, teams, individuals and deals in each category.
Stage Three – Confirmation of Excellence Awardees Once the research was completed, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category and notified via email. Excellence Awardees were also announced on NZ Lawyer’s website on 31 August 2023.
LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice productivity solution that enables law firms to streamline their processes while increasing the firm’s productivity and profits. Law firms using LEAP software enjoy the benefits of a practice management system, legal accounting, document assembly and management, and legal publishing assets in one integrated solution. Contact details: Kathryn Middis, National Sales Manager Mobile: +64 (0)21 278 8653 Email: Kathryn.middis@leaplegalsoftware.co.nz Website: leaplegalsoftware.co.nz
James & Wells provides a full suite of intellectual property services, including patents, trademarks, litigation and IP strategy. We are champions of innovation and the people who create it. With offices across Australia and New Zealand, our award-winning team enables businesses to own, control and commercialise their intellectual property on a global scale. Contact details: Mobile: 0800 466 688 Email: info@jamesandwells.com Website: www.jamesandwells.com
Award Sponsor
Designed For Legal Professionals | Regardless of your firm's size or law profession, our legal solutions are designed specifically for you. You Are Our Priority | A 108-year history in serving and supporting the New Zealand legal profession. Results You Can Trust | In depth and comprehensive legal content and solutions coupled with intelligent A.I technology. Contact details: Mobile: 0800 800 986 Email: merv.giam@lexisnexis.co.nz Website: www.lexisnexis.co.nz
23 NOVEMBER 2023 | CORDIS AUCKLAND
23 NOVEMBER 2023 CORDIS AUCKLAND
The Hipstamatics have made a name for themselves over the last decade playing their unique energetic reinterpretation of classic funk and soul throughout Aotearoa, from local bars to large scale festivals. Delivering both inspired reworkings of modern hits, and faithful execution of established classics, the Hipstamatics bring together their diverse interests and styles as individual practitioners into a tight 8 piece band with visceral passion.
Party Band
The Hipstamatics
Hosted By The Hipstamatics Band
Band
Commemorative Guide
Award winners
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This award recognises an HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible finalists were senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Finalists were judged on their leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
Auckland Council Sustainability-Linked Loans
Lead firms: Buddle Findlay, Mayne Wetherell
New Zealand sovereign Green Bond Framework and first green bond issuance
Lead firm: Chapman Tripp
Senior Debt for Tourism Holdings Ltd as part of merger with Apollo Tourism and Leisure
Lead firms: Buddle Findlay, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Baker McKenzie, Buddle Findlay, Hamilton Locke, Jones Day, MinterEllison
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Allens, Freshfields, Clifford Chance
Syndicated funding for Allegro’s acquisition of fuel retailer Gull NZ
Lead firms: Russell McVeagh, Simpson Grierson, Webb Henderson
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Allegro Funds, Ares Capital, ASB Bank, Gilbert + Tobin
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): ANZ, Auckland Council, Bank New Zealand
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc senior debt facilities to fund the purchase of properties from the Crown
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): ANZ Bank New Zealand, Armillary Private Capital, Bank of New Zealand, Craigs Investment Partners, Dentons, Fisher Funds, JP Morgan, Pou Manaaki, PT (Booster Investments) Nominees Limited, Rotomā No.1 Incorporation, Russell McVeagh, Tumu Whakarae, Westpac New Zealand Limited
Firms:
Bell Gully, Simpson Grierson
Other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants):
ANZ Bank New Zealand, Craigs Investment Partners, MUFG Bank, Hong Kong Branch, Natixis, RBC Capital Markets, Royal Bank of Canada
Financing for Igneo’s acquisition of Waste Management NZ
WINNER
This award was open to all debt market deals that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
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$2.2-billion Recapitalisation of Air New Zealand
Lead Firm: Allen & Overy, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh
Heartland Group Holdings $200 million equity raise
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh
Ryman Healthcare $902.4 million capital raise
Lead firm: Bell Gully, Russell McVeagh
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Jarden Securities, Rimon Law
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Baker & McKenzie, Herbert Smith Freehills, Macquarie, Montarne, Sidley Austin, UBS
All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Baker & McKenzie, Calibre Partners, Citibank, Citigroup, Craigs Investment Partners, Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, Goldman Sachs, Herbert Smith Freehills, KPMG, Sidley Austin, UBS, Vorigo Advisory
Allen & Overy, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh
Baker & McKenzie, Calibre Partners, Citibank, Citigroup, Craigs Investment Partners, Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, Goldman Sachs, Herbert Smith Freehills, KPMG, Sidley Austin, UBS, Vorigo Advisory
This award was open to all equity market deals that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
Financing of Lodestone Energy Solar Project
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Simpson Grierson
Project financing for Far North Solar Farm Ltd.
Lead Firms: Tompkins Wake
All other Organisations that worked on the deal (Firms, Banks and Accountants): Aquila Capital, DLA Piper
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Tom Fail, Westpac
Lead Firms: Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Simpson Grierson
Bell Gully, Buddle Findlay
Bank of New Zealand, Chapman Tripp, Crown Infrastructure Partners, Deloitte, KPMG, Mafic Partners, Simpson Grierson, Tauranga City Council, Westpac New Zealand
Financing of special purpose vehicle to fund infrastructure and urban development projects in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty
This award was open to all project finance deals that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
Acquisition of Partners Life by Dai-ichi Life
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Bank of America, Baker McKenzie, Bell Gully, Deloitte, MinterEllison
Acquisition of Z Energy by Ampol
Lead firms: Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp
Futureverse roll-up and Series A capital raise
Lead firm: PwC Legal
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board’s acquisition of 70% stake of Spark NZ’s passive mobile infrastructure business
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, Webb Henderson
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Allens, Bank of America Securities, Jarden and Forsyth Barr, Linklaters, Mayne Wetherell, Russell McVeagh, Simpson Grierson
Sale of One NZ (formerly Vodafone) Passive Mobile Towers to InfraRed and Northleaf Capital Partners
Lead firms: Allens Linklaters, Bell Gully, Buddle Findlay, Chapman Tripp
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Allens, Altman Solon, Alvarez & Marsal, Aon, Aurecon, Barrenjoey, Colliers, Gallaghers, PwC, RBC Capital Markets, RPS, Russell McVeagh, UBS, UBS New Zealand
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Calibre Partners, Goldman Sachs, Herbert Smith Freehills, Macquarie
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Avid Legal; Bell Gully; Burton & Co; Centrapay; Dentons; Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP; Gunderson Dettmer; Heimsath Alexander; Kindrik Partners; Latham & Watkins LLP; Lowenstein Sandler LLP; MinterEllisonRuddWatts; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; The Forest Road Company; Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; Walkers
Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Simpson Grierson, Webb Henderson
Cameron Partners
Crown takes 100% control of Kiwibank with purchase of NZ Super Fund, Accident Compensation Corporation and NZ Post stakes
This award was open to all M&A deals that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
Financial Restructuring and Recapitalisation of Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Co.
Lead firms: Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Russell McVeagh
Receivership of Optic Security Group Limited and Related Sale of Subsidiary
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Buddle Findlay, Calibre Partners, Grant Thornton, MinterEllison
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Anderson Lloyd, BDO, Buddle Findlay, Calibre Partners, Crown Irrigation Investments Limited, McCullough Robertson, Simpson Grierson, Tavendale and Partners, Waitaki District Council
Insolvency And Restructuring Deal of the Year
CMQ Law, DLA Piper, Duncan Cotterill, Gilbert Walker, GlaisterEnnor, Harmos Horton Lusk, Hesketh Henry, King's Counsel, LeeSalmonLong, Lindsay & Francis, McElroys, McGrathNicol, Meredith Connell, Simpson Grierson
Liquidation of CBL Insurance Limited
This award was open to all insolvency and restructuring deals that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
CMQ Law, DLA Piper, Duncan Cotterill, Gilbert Walker, GlaisterEnnor, Harmos Horton Lusk, Hesketh Henry, King’s Counsel, LeeSalmonLong, Lindsay & Francis, McElroys, McGrathNicol, Meredith Connell, Simpson Grierson
Anthony Harper
Acquisition of Eastland Network by Igneo Infrastructure Partners
AMP Sale of Collimate Capital
Lead firm: Bell Gully
Acquisition of The Better Health Company by Nestlé New Zealand
Fisher Funds purchase of Kiwi Wealth
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Anderson Lloyd, Buddle Findlay, Deloitte, Dentons, KPMG, Goldman Sachs & Co, LLC, Macquarie Group, Minter Ellison
Next Capital sale of New Zealand's largest urban bus operator to Kinetic NZ Holdings
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): King Wood Mallesons
All other organisations that worked on the deal (firms, banks and accountants): Deloitte
Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh
Deloitte, Forsyth Barr, PwC
Sale of Trustpower retail business to Mercury Energy
This award was open to all deals with a value of NZ$50–500m that were closed (not just signed or announced) between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 and for which the majority of the legal work was New Zealand based. Each organisation could nominate a maximum of three deals.
James & Wells provides a full suite of intellectual property services, including patents, trademarks, litigation, and IP strategy. We are champions of innovation and the people who create it. With offices across Australia and New Zealand, our award-winning team enables businesses to own, control and commercialise their intellectual property on a global scale. Contact details: James & Wells Phone: 0800 466 688 Email: info@jamesandwells.com Website: www.jamesandwells.com
This award was open to qualified lawyers not exceeding 35 years of age as at 31 March 2023 and permanently employed within the in-house legal function of an organisation operating in New Zealand.
Amir Ansari, Tourism Holdings Lisa Cameron, Meta Charlotte Foster, Warner Bros. Discovery Angus Haines, DB Breweries Nerida Kennedy, Datacom Penny Kitto, Metlifecare Marcus Playle, Lion
Meridian Energy
Claude Smith
James & Wells provides a full suite of intellectual property services, including patents, trademarks, litigation, and IP strategy. We are champions of innovation and the people who create it. With offices across Australia and New Zealand, our award-winning team enables businesses to own, control and commercialise their intellectual property on a global scale. Contact details: Phone: 0800 466 688 Email: info@jamesandwells.com Website: www.jamesandwells.com
“James & Wells is proud to sponsor the In-House Lawyer of the Year award at the 2023 New Zealand Law Awards. Congratulations to all of the Excellence Awardees.”
Tim Walden, Managing Partner, James & Wells
Melissa Anastasiou, Spark New Zealand Penny Bower, Waste Management NZ Paris Bree, New Zealand Oil & Gas Kirsten Clayton, Contact Energy Justine Hollows, Winton Juliet Jones, One New Zealand (formerly Vodafone) Jack Lynskey, Wealthpoint Beth McKay, Crown Infrastructure Partners
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Jason Nichols
This award was open to qualified lawyers permanently employed within the in-house legal function of an organisation operating in New Zealand
This award was open to qualified lawyers permanently employed within the in-house legal function of an organisation operating in New Zealand.
Resolution Institute is the peak industry body across dispute resolution disciplines in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We are a vibrant community of mediators, arbitrators, expert determiners, adjudicators, restorative justice practitioners and other dispute resolution professionals. We value integrity, excellence, innovation, collaboration, diversity and influence. We reflect these values in our work for and with our members. Contact details: Wellington Office Address: Level 4 Gleneagles Building 69–71 The Terrace Wellington 6011 Phone: +64 4 470 0110 / 0800 453 237 Email: infonz@resolution.institute Sydney Office Address: Suite 602, Level 6 Tower B, Zenith Centre 821-843 Pacific Highway Chatswood NSW 2067 PO BVOX 440 Chatswood NSW 2057 Phone: +61 2 9251 3366 / 1800 651 650 Email: infoaus@resolution.institute
Resolution Institute has been a proud sponsor of both the Mediator and Arbitrator of the Year since 2017. The industry has adapted and become more flexible and agile as a result of COVID which is testament to the skill set of those nominated.
Josh Vernon, CO-FOUNDER and ceo, wagestream australia
This award was open to in-house legal teams in a banking, insurance or financial services organisation operating in New Zealand.
MAS – Medical Assurance Society Partners Life Legal team Perpetual Guardian – Legal
AIA New Zealand
IAG Legal Team
IAG New Zealand Limited
Genesis Legal Team Lodestone Energy
This award was open to in-house legal teams in an energy organisation operating in New Zealand.
QBE Australia is part of the QBE Insurance Group, an international insurer and reinsurer headquartered in Sydney with offices across all states and territories. Our purpose is all about enabling a more resilient future. We provide a broad range of insurance products to personal, business, corporate and institutional customers. From car and home insurance, to tailored business packages and specialist cover for industries such as aviation and farming. We don’t simply offer insurance. We’re all about the before and after – helping our customers to protect and prevent against the ‘what ifs’ and being there to support if anything goes wrong. Website: https://www.qbe.com/au/brokers
One New Zealand Spark New Zealand Tuatahi First Fibre Legal & Regulatory Team
2degrees
This award was open to in-house legal teams in a telecommunications organisation operating in New Zealand.
Winners of Financial Services In-House Team, Energy In-House Team and Telecommunications In-House Team automatically progress to become Excellence Awardees for this category and will be announced tonight, at the awards ceremony.
Russell McVeagh is a leading full-service commercial law firm that operates at the cutting edge of legal practice in New Zealand. The firm's practice groups are respected as leaders in the market and work collaboratively together to assist Aotearoa's top organisations with their most complex, challenging and high-profile matters. Contact details: Jo Avenell, Chief Executive Officer Phone: +64 (0) 9 367 8091 Email: jo.avenell@russellmcveagh.com Website: www.russellmcveagh.com
“We’re proud to be supporting this industry award which celebrates the top in-house legal teams in Aotearoa New Zealand. These teams work on some of the most significant matters, transactions and issues in our country which have helped to shape the business landscape, and we are extremely grateful to have worked alongside a number of these incredible teams.”
RUSSELL MCVEAGH
Air New Zealand Crown Infrastructure Partners Fonterra Legal Team IAG Legal Team Meridian Energy SkyCity Entertainment Group Waikato-Tainui In-House Legal Team Waste Management New Zealand
This award was open to in-house legal teams in a non-financial services organisation operating in New Zealand.
Minerva Canada, a non-profit volunteer-run organization, aims to be a global leader in health and safety management education by influencing the curriculum of post-secondary institutions to ensure that future engineers and business leaders create healthier and safer workplaces. The only organization of our kind, we raise awareness and strive to make occupational health and safety a mindset by providing initiatives and resources that assist colleges and universities in preparing tomorrow’s leaders in the skills of incident and injury prevention. For more information visit: https://safetymanagementeducation.com/.
This award was open to qualified lawyers not exceeding 35 years of age as at 31 March 2023 and permanently employed in a law firm in New Zealand.
Shane Campbell, Wynn Williams Zac Fargher, Simpson Grierson Tayla Johnston, MinterEllisonRuddWatts Zac Kedgley-Foot, Bell Gully Jade Magrath, Rice Speir Rosa McPhee, Chapman Tripp
George Karam, BF Money
Russell McVeagh
Bradley Aburn
Samuel Moore, Wolfe Street Chambers
Jacob Nutt, DLA Piper New Zealand Elizabeth Ogle, Webb Henderson
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting Ontario workers and businesses. A proud partner in Ontario’s occupational health and safety system and a trusted safety advisor since 1917, WSPS has a rich history of making Ontario workplaces safer. For more information visit: www.wsps.ca.
Black Door Law
Copeland Ashcroft Law
Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from employment law matters.
McBride Davenport James Richard Upton Watermark Employment Law
Avetta provides a cloud-based supply chain risk management and commercial marketplace platform. Our global solution is uniquely designed to connect the world’s leading organizations with qualified suppliers, driving sustainable growth. We build trustworthy bonds through responsive technology and human insight. Our process is collaborative. Our global reach is complemented by our local expertise. Hundreds of global organizations depend on Avetta to align their supply chains to sustainable business practices, worldwide. Avetta is building the connections that build the world. Discover more at www.avetta.com.
Morris Norling Law
&
Gilbert Walker
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from litigation and dispute resolution matters.
WINNERs
Wilson Harle
Russell Legal
Henry Hughes IP James & Wells Zone Law
AJ Park
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from intellectual property law matters.
AlexanderDorrington Convey Law
TBB
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from property and construction law matters.
Domain Legal
Kate Sheehan Lawyers
Clayton Utz is a leader in legal services, bringing together teams of smart, committed and collaborative lawyers to guide our clients to the right solution and bring value to their businesses. We are known for our commercial approach, energetic culture and the way we embrace the complex and challenging. We are more than our commercial work - we have a genuine and substantial commitment to sustainability, diversity & inclusion, community and pro bono. Contact details: Mobile: +61 2 9353 4103 Email: bcooper@claytonutz.com Website: www.claytonutz.com
"Clayton Utz is proud to sponsor the Australian In-House Team of the Year award. Reflecting the crucial nature of in-house teams, this award recognises outstanding quality and innovation in internal and transactional work."
Emma Covacevich, CEO, Clayton Utz
Darroch Forrest Lawyers
Wotton + Kearney
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from insurance law matters.
Designed For Legal Professionals | Regardless of your firm's size or law profession, our legal solutions are designed specifically for you. You Are Our Priority | A 108-year history of serving and supporting the New Zealand legal profession. Results You Can Trust | In-depth and comprehensive legal content and solutions coupled with intelligent AI technology. Contact details: Merv Giam, Head of Marketing Phone: 0800 800 986 Email: merv.giam@lexisnexis.co.nz Website: www.lexisnexis.co.nz
“LexisNexis is honoured to be sponsoring the Boutique Law Firm of the Year. The hard work and dedication of lawyers in striving to be exceptional and to advance the rule of law is a key driver to a harmonious society.”
LEXISNEXIS
BlackmanSpargo Rural Law
Webb Henderson
This award was open to law firms that derive at least 50% of their revenue from a single practice area.
Dixon & Co Lawyers
Flacks & Wong Juno Legal
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada is THE association for leaders in Canada’s chemistry sector; a $58 billion industry. The Association represents more than 50 members and partners across the country, the majority of the chemistry industry in Canada. CIAC members transform raw materials like natural gas liquids, oil, minerals, electricity and biomass into the building blocks needed to manufacture some 70,000 products that we depend on every day. CIAC provides coordination and leadership on key issues including innovation, investment, taxation, health and safety, environment and regulatory initiatives. For more information visit: www.canadianchemistry.ca.
Anderson Lloyd Anthony Harper Bell Gully Chapman Tripp Dentons MinterEllisonRuddWatts Russell McVeagh Tompkins Wake
Simpson Grierson
This award was open to law firms employing 101+ lawyers on a full-time basis as at 31 March 2023.
Fluid Legal is your expert legal search partner. We connect the sharpest legal talent with the best law firms and legal teams across New Zealand. As legal recruitment specialists and trusted advisors to the industry, our team have established a track record of delivering successful recruitment outcomes on the most challenging and talent-short assignments. Contact details: Peter Clark, Managing Director Phone: +64 (0)21 278 8653 Email: peter@fluidrecruitment.com
“Fluid is delighted to be supporting the Employer of Choice award. We continue to be impressed by the level of innovation and drive to evolve the standard of wellbeing, retaining key staff and creating an environment people want to be a part of.”
Eden Brown, Managing Consultant, Fluid Legal
AJ Park Juno Legal McCaw Lewis Norling Law Norris Ward McKinnon PwC Legal SHIFT Advisory
Infinity Group Australia
Lane Neave
This award was open to law firms employing 1–100 lawyers on a full-time basis as at 31 March 2023.
Wynn Williams
“On behalf of LEAP, congratulations to all of the outstanding nominees. We are particularly proud to see so many of our clients recognised for their excellence. It’s a testament to their innovative mindset, which we’re proud to support with our legal practice productivity solution.”
Donna Broadley, CEO, leap
Harmos Horton Lusk K3 Legal McCaw Lewis
Mayne Wetherell
This award was open to law firms with 6–24 partners.
Cooney Lees Morgan
Robert Walters is a world-leading specialist professional recruitment consultancy. Hiring managers worldwide rely on us to find their best specialist professionals, and our clients range from the largest corporates worldwide through to SMEs and startups. We recruit people for permanent, contract and interim roles across the world. Contact details: Website: https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/
“Robert Walters are honoured to continue to sponsor the award for New Zealand’s Large Law Firm of the Year. This is a highly prestigious award that recognises the culture and high calibre of work produced by New Zealand’s largest firms.”
Shay Peters, CEO, Robert Walters
Anthony Harper Bell Gully Buddle Findlay Chapman Tripp Dentons DLA Piper New Zealand MinterEllisonRuddWatts Simpson Grierson Tompkins Wake
This award was open to law firms with 25+ partners.
Resolution Institute is the peak industry body across dispute resolution disciplines in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We are a vibrant community of mediators, arbitrators, expert determiners, adjudicators, restorative justice practitioners and other dispute resolution professionals. We value integrity, excellence, innovation, collaboration, diversity and influence. We reflect these values in our work for and with our members. Contact details: Address: Suite 602, Level 6 Tower B, Zenith Centre 821-843 Pacific Highway Chatswood NSW 2067 PO BVOX 440 Chatswood NSW 2057 Phone: +61 2 9251 3366 / 1800 651 650 Email: infoaus@resolution.institute
“Resolution Institute is honoured to sponsor the Mediator of the Year award. This is a highly valued award, and as the leading provider of mediation training and accreditations, we are proud to recognise the outstanding services provided by our mediation community.”
Amber Williams, CEO, Resolution Institute
Simon Roughton, Orb Solutions Sue Smith, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission
Laidlaw Law and Consultancy
Wi Pere Mita
This award was open to members of Resolution Institute (formerly LEADR) or AMINZ, or both.
Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake Jennifer Caldwell, Buddle Findlay Malcolm Hurley, Anthony Harper Kerry O’Donnell, Anderson Lloyd Laura Scampion, DLA Piper New Zealand Hayden Wilson, Dentons
Allison Arthur-Young
This award was open to managing partners, CEOs or similar of a New Zealand law firm with more than 100 lawyers employed on a full-time basis as at 31 March 2023.
Glenn Forster, McCaw Lewis Sam Hood, Norris Ward McKinnon Matthew Jones, Wynn Williams Helen Mackay, Juno Legal Sally Morris, Morris Edwin Morrison, K3 Legal Brent James Norling, Norling Law
Tim Walden
James & Wells
This award was open to managing partners, CEOs or similar of a New Zealand law firm with no more than 100 lawyers employed on a full-time basis as at 31 March 2023.
Graeme Holm, Infinity Group Australia
Anderson Lloyd Buddle Findlay Dentons DLA Piper New Zealand MinterEllisonRuddWatts Russell McVeagh Simpson Grierson
This award was open to all New Zealand-based law firms and in-house legal teams.
