Business Description

I head Shieff Angland's litigation team. Our firm was established in 1942 and we have been business lawyers since then in the Auckland CBD.   We have over 20 legal staff and are part of the international federation of law firms Interlex so can easily service clients needs throughout the World.We are always avalable to give people a free no obligation consultation for one or two hours before you make a decision to hire us.  We have flexible terms for paying for our service including equity deals for start ups.

I have proven, widely based experience as an advocate, adviser and published author in business law both here in the  US and the UK.. I  principally practice as a commercial litigator, appearing regularly in the High Court, the Court of Appeal.  I have conducted many trials.  I have appeared as senior counsel in the Supreme Court which is the pinnacle of my career. The publications I have authorised texts have been relied on by judges in Court judgments and Law Commission reports.  I speak to business audiences on business law topics.

I was lead counsel in the cross border insolvency “Bullion in the Basement case” Williams v Simpson which was widely reported and cited internationally. I was also lead counsel in the precedent setting case of Lewis Holdings Ltd v Steel & Tube Limited. That case held that a parent company could be held liable for the debts of its subsidiary if the latter was operated as an economic division of the parent.  This decision was challenged on appeal to the Court fo Appeal where I defeated a QC (one of several over many years) and won this appeal.  As a lawyer within a law firm I am ineligible to be appointed a QC.  However, I stay within a law firm as I love working with lots of lawyers and training young litigators into great advocates - something that is less possible working as a barrister.

I have acted and currently act in the High and other Courts against the Crown for relocated businesses under the Public Works Act to obtain increased disturbance compensation when their land is taken.

I have and am acting on cases against insurers in the High Court and Court of Appeal on earthquake claims. I have  given educational presentations before large audiences, on group actions and litigation funding. I have also acted for plaintiffs and secured substantial outcomes in product liability cases where the defendant was insured.

I assist taxpayers facing IRD attention and have acted on tax cases in the Pacific Islands.  I have successfully resolved numerous  shareholder and trustee disputes. I have also conducted many interim injunctions and caveat cases.  I have done settled many cases before mediators.

I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1990 and hold three different  Master's degrees in law all with honours.  I hold an undergraduate law degree and Bachelor of Arts majoring in drama and English literature.