11. Alysha McClintock
The headline-hogging Polkinghorne case thrust Alysha McClintock further into the limelight in 2024 and lifted fellow Power List member Ron Mansfield into the List’s upper reaches following his successful defense of the 71 year old ophthalmologist.
McClintock, who was appointed Auckland Crown Solicitor in 2023 following predecessor Brian Dickey, sees her lead a major team at Meredith Connell, the firm that has held the warrant for over a century. With a homicide every five days and leading the prosecution in New Zealand’s largest city, Alysha McClintock holds considerable power, along with her colleague Natalie Walker who holds the South Auckland warrant.
Despite the loss of the profile Polkinghorne case, she has nonetheless established herself as one of New Zealand’s leading prosecutors.
13. Davey Salmon KC
12. Grant Chamberlain
As the Cartel Investigations Manager at the New Zealand Commerce Commission, Chamberlain is a key figure in the country’s fight against anti-competitive behavior, leading a legal team of around 12 at the Commission.
His position gained significant clout when cartel conduct became a criminal offense under the Commerce Act, introducing severe penalties for breaches at a time when effective economic monitoring has new been more pressing.
Increasing competition in banking, the grocery sector, telecommunications – all have been subject to stringent criticism and reviews from the Commission and others requiring a strong enforcement hand and both legislative and business initiatives to boost true competition.
The Commerce Commission’s recent performance has been met with criticism. Business reviews have been less than favorable, citing missed key performance indicators. Their ‘Input Methodologies’ review, which examined pricing structures for essential infrastructure like gas, electricity, and airport charges, was particularly scrutinized. The resulting report was deemed lacking in commercial clarity and consistency, raising concerns about the Commission’s ability to foster a competitive environment for economic growth
Davey Salmon KC continues to cement his reputation as one of New Zealand’s preeminent trial and appellate lawyers in 2024.
He represented the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) in a judicial fight against Auckland Council regarding the politically and financially key appointment of a new chairman for Watercare.
He has also been at the forefront of climate change litigation, representing Northland kaumatua Mike Smith in a case against major New Zealand companies, including Fonterra and Genesis Energy, which reached the Supreme Court.
ISalmon has been involved in litigation surrounding the collapse of property business Du Val. Although he initially represented Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke, the founders of Du Val, in proceedings brought by the Financial Markets Authority, the case has since been delayed due to the Clarkes’ inability to secure legal aid, let alone a lawyer.
He also acted (assisting Rachael Reed KC) in the defence of former CBL director Peter Harris on fraud charges, represented former National Party president Michelle Boag in a high-profile case, and handled claims related to Southern Response settlements.
His expertise extends to areas such as defamation law, as seen in the Sir Robert Jones case, and political finance, exemplified by his work on the New Zealand First Foundation donations case.
Salmon’s practice at Mills Lane Chambers focuses on trial and appellate advocacy. hHis approachable demeanor, has earned him respect from both the judiciary and his peers.
14. Chris Finlayson KC
Chris Finlayson KC continues to wield significant influence through his multifaceted career, particularly during the heightened tensions surrounding race relations, exemplified in the ACT-sponsored Treaty Principles Bill.
Finlayson’s insights and experience have become increasingly valuable, with an ability to bridge the gap between legal theory and practical governance makes him an important asset in shaping New Zealand’s approach to often challenging issues.
In the past year, Finlayson’s expertise has been sought after in high-stakes negotiations and complex legal matters. His appointment by the five Hawke’s Bay councils to lead negotiations with the Government over the recovery package following Cyclone Gabrielle
Finlayson’s chambers in Wellington and Auckland continue to attract high-profile clients, leveraging his deep understanding of Treaty of Waitangi issues, public law, and constitutional matters. His unique blend of political acumen and legal prowess makes him a sought-after counsel for both public and private entities grappling with New Zealand’s evolving legal landscape.
The publication of his memoir “Yes, Minister: An Insider’s Account of the John Key Years” in 2022 offers candid insights into his time in government.
He was recently appointed to the board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, adding to his portfolio of cultural stewardship roles. This appointment, alongside his existing positions with the Adam Foundation, the New Zealand School of Dance Foundation, and the other positions.
15. Stephen Hunter KC
Stephen Hunter KC is one of the most sought-after commercial barristers in the country, focused on commercial, regulatory, and public law cases.
Hunter’s client roster has seen him represent ANZ, BNZ, the Commerce Commission, Kiwi Property, Metlifecare, Precinct, Rabobank, Vector, Vero, and Westpac in proceedings banking, company law, contract disputes, negligence claims, and regulatory matters.
One of a select few King’s Counsel listed in Band 1 by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, he worked at Gilbert Walker for eight years before joining Shortland Chambers in 2016. He is a member of the bars of New Zealand (1998), New York (2003), and England & Wales (2003).
His career included roles at the Court of Appeal as Judge’s Clerk to the late Sir Ivor Richardson, at Russell McVeagh, and four years in the litigation team at Herbert Smith in London.
He for the plaintiff in a ten-week High Court trial in 2023, addressing issues remitted by the Supreme Court in the historic Wakatū proceedings.
He has lectured in public law at the University of Auckland, served as a regular faculty member on the Litigation Skills course, and sat on a Law Society Standards Committee. Currently, he serves on the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, acts as the New Zealand reporter for the Institute for Transnational Arbitration, and is involved in steering and sponsoring a law school scholarships program.
16. Natalie Walker
17. Andrew Cordner
Former Fonterra General Counsel Andrew Cordner is a key figure in the country’s most ambitious health reform in decades working as the naugural Chief Legal Counsel for Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand).
Well respected and for his ability to handle large-scale organizational structures he sits at the forefront of a transformation that consolidates 20 former District Health Boards into a single entity.
The implementation of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act set the stage for a monumental shift in healthcare delivery, aimed at eliminating redundancies and fostering genuine national planning.
His team has been instrumental in drafting and implementing policies that align with the ‘patient-centric’ approach championed by the reform.
The organization’s chair, Rob Campbell, was dismissed in early 2023, underscoring the intense political scrutiny under which Te Whatu Ora operates and highlighting the delicate balance Cordner must strike between organizational autonomy and political accountability.
One of his notable achievements has been the successful negotiation of a series of complex contracts with healthcare providers across the country, to ensure equitable access to healthcare services nationwide, a key objective of the reform.
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18. Rachael Reed KC
Rachael Reed KC continues to solidify her position as one of the country’s most influential litigators, as well as serving an important role as a woman litigator at the top of her profession who has demonstrated her ability to be briefed upon tough white-collar cases and win.
She has consistently tackled high-profile cases that have captured national attention and set legal precedents.
Reed’s involvement in the Dilworth School class action has thrust her into the spotlight once more, as potentially the largest non-government compensation claim in New Zealand’s history, addresses historical abuses at the prestigious institution.
She played a crucial role in the appointment of Frances Joychild QC to lead the independent inquiry into historical abuse at Dilworth School
Her involvement in representing lawyers in workplace practice complaints against Hamilton Crown Prosecutor Jacinda Hamilton displayed her expertise in professional conduct matters. Additionally, her role in GNS Science’s defense regarding the Whakaari/White Island eruption demonstrates, her defence of former CBL chief executive Peter Harris in an SFO prosecution following the collapse of the $747 NZX-listed insurer showed her versatility in handling complex, multi-faceted cases.
As the Deputy Chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Disciplinary Tribunal, she continues to influence professional standards and accountability.
Her previous positions as Chair of the New Zealand Markets Disciplinary Tribunal and Convenor of the Auckland Standards Committee for the New Zealand Law Society further illustrate her commitment to upholding the integrity of these professions.
Following in the footsteps of her father, Michael Reed KC, renowned for his work on high-profile cases like the Michael Bain defense, she has already left an indelible legal foot print on the local profession.
19. Frazer Barton
What should have been a year of leadership and success became an annus horribilis for Frazer Barton as his carefully nurtured reputation took a battering with repercussions arising from the Abuse in Care inquiry.
He took a leave of absence in August 2024 following allegations related to his advice on destroying records at Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care report revealed that Barton had advised PSO’s former CEO that documents could be destroyed “at an appropriate milestone” which led to at least two formal complaints being filed against Barton with the Law Society.
Barton stepping back from his roles at the Law Society and the University of Otago Council while the matter is addressed. He remains a partner at Anderson Lloyd, leading the Otago litigation team.
20. Phil Newland
As the founder of LPF Group, Phil Newland has emerged as a key player in New Zealand’s legal and business sectors, advocating for equal opportunities for plaintiffs against well-funded adversaries.
His diverse background in law, business, and finance laid the foundation for LPF’s establishment in 2009, supported by a team of legal experts, including former Supreme Court judge Bill Wilson KC and liquidator Michael Stiassny and recently appointed former Judge Robert Dobson KC.
The LPF-funded Mainzeal case resulted in a Supreme Court ruling ordering former directors to pay $111 million highlighting both the risks and the vital role of litigation funding in supporting creditors against powerful corporate entities. In a recent op-ed, he criticized the defendants’ aggressive tactics that prolonged litigation unnecessarily.
Newland also emphasizes the increasing acceptance of third-party funding as a legitimate means to enhance access to justice, noting growing interest from institutional investors. LPF Group has actively shapred policy discussions on litigation funding, advocating for regulatory frameworks that protect plaintiffs.
Newland sees significant potential for growth in areas like climate change litigation and shareholder class actions. As litigation funding gains momentum, LPF Group is positioned to influence its future direction significantly.
21. Haydyn Wong
Former Bell Gully corporate partner Haydyn Wong has been appointed to help resusictate the flailing Fletcher empire.
The business has suffered from an array of difficulties across projects in both New Zealand and Australia, leading to mounting losses and a need to rebuild its balance sheet.
Wong is currently serving as the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary for Fletcher Building, which employs over 12500 people, a role he assumed permanently in August 2024 after acting since April.
Having extensive experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities law positions him well to assist with the complexities facing Fletcher Building amid a tough market. His expertise includes private equity transactions and financial services, making him a sought-after advisor for major corporate clients.
24. Will Tipping
Mayne Wetherell partner Will Tipping is recognized for his expertise in acquisition financing, restructuring and related work.
Twice named among the top 100 finance advisors globally by Finance Monthly he regularly receives high rankings for work on leveraged buyouts and other deals and has emerged as one of the country’s leading commercial lawyers.
Tipping’s experience spans various high-profile transactions, including take-private deals, private M&A, asset finance, and structured lending arrangements. He has advised lenders in major acquisitions such as Apax’s purchase of TradeMe and BGH’s acquisition of Abano.
Tipping’s expertise extends to restructuring and insolvency, where he’s received top rankings from International Financial Law Review. His involvement in substantial New Zealand restructurings has earned him global recognition and a key role as one of the country’s leading commercial lawyers.
26. Liam Mason
The Director of Regulation and General Counsel at the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), Mason wields significant influence over the country’s financial markets. He also holds a key role in helping shape regulatory policy.
Mason’s career spans over two decades in financial regulation spending 14 years with the Securities Commission before joining the FMA at its inception in 2011. His far-reaching responsibilities at the FMA include overseeing compliance, licensing, fintech functions, and legal matters.
He has played a pivotal role in tackling greenwashing in ethical investing, working to improve transparency and prevent misleading claims.
Mason’s influence extends beyond regulatory enforcement. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where he articulates the FMA’s vision and expectations for the financial sector[3][6]. His leadership in areas such as conduct and culture reviews in the life insurance industry further underscores his impact on shaping ethical practices in New Zealand’s financial markets.
28. Nick Flanagan
Nick Flanagan is one of the country’s foremost plaintiffs’ lawyers, with experience in complex cases against well-resourced defendants.
Flanagan’s power stems from his extensive work for government agencies, private equity funds, and high-net-worth individuals. He has argued more leading cases under the Fair Trading Act and Financial Markets Conduct Act than arguably any other New Zealand lawyer.
Most recently he has acted for the Ministry of Education in its successful claims against James Hardie and Carter Holt Harvey, one of the largest civil case in New Zealand’s history.
A Harvard Law School graduate and former Fulbright scholar, Flanagan’s influence extends to his roles on the Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Panel for Cartel Offences and as a regular speaker.
22. Margot Gatland
Gatland joined the FMA in December 2017 as a senior solicitor, having previously worked at the Serious Fraud Office and various commercial law firms, including Meredith Connell, as well as holding roles in government.
Her involvement in having the FMA ensure there is appropriate compliance in the New Zealand financial markets has seen increased enforcement action, most recently including civil claims against Tower Insurance, litigation involving Rockfort Markets and of course the profile prosecution against the Du Val property group.
23. Anne Callinan
Another litigator involved in market regulation is veteran, former Simpson Grierson litigator Anne Callinan, now carrying the responsibility of levelling the playing field for operators in key areas like telecommunications, groceries and other services.
The commission has recently commenced criminal prosecution action against One NZ over its satellite communications claims, Kiwibank for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading legislation and TSB for charging unreasonable fees on accounts.
25. Roger Partridge
The former commercial litigator and executive chairman of Bell Gully is chairman and co-founder of The New Zealand Initiative, a think tank supported by chief executives of New Zealand’s largest companies and has become a significant opinion-maker on economic and social issues.
His recent report, “Who Makes the Law? Reining in the Supreme Court,” has sparked debate about the balance of power between Parliament and the judiciary.
Partridge has been at the forefront of critiquing New Zealand’s institutions and government policies. His work includes reports on regulatory bodies, such as “Who Guards the Guards?” and “Reassessing the regulators: The Good, the Bad and the Commerce Commission” He has also been vocal about the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other significant policy issues.
Partridge’s influence is evident in his ability to highlight often-overlooked issues through the New Zealand Initiative’s research and publications.
His regular media appearances, columns, and public speaking engagements further amplify his impact on public discourse.
27. Pip England
As managing partner of what is the richest and most powerful law firm in the country Pip England spends his third year on the Power List.
The M&A, property and corporate lawyer took the reigns at the firm in 2021 described as someone who ‘lives and breathes’ the firm’s values.
Well regarded professionally and personally, he continues to drive the firm’s growth with revenues well in excess of $100 million and with top rankings among legal ranking publications like ‘Legal 500’ and ‘IFLR 1000’ the firm has more top tier rankings than any other firm.
Under England’s leadership the firm has also launched its own patent division to harness the growth in work from IP and tech developments and deals.
As with the other two ‘Golden Triangle’ Big Law firms, Chapman Tripp has worked to increase its gender diversity having 33 per cent equity-sharing women partners in the last published LawFuel Gender Survey, with only one point difference between the three, including Bell Gully and Russell McVeagh.
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29. Natalie Coates
Lawyer of the Year in 2023, Natalie Coates has since moved to the independent bar but remains a prominent specialist in public and administrative law, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori legal issues, and human rights.
Her unique expertise lies in the intersection of tikanga and common law, leading groundbreaking arguments in senior courts.Coates’ power stems from her diverse roles and achievements. She co-ordinates a Postgraduate Diploma in Tikanga and Law for judges across New Zealand and has a significant academic background with first-class honours degrees from Otago and an LLM from Harvard as a Fulbright scholar.
Her influence extends beyond practice, serving on the NZ Council of Legal Education, NZ Council of Law Reporting, and as Co-President of Te Hunga Roia Māori.
30. Tim Clarke
A leading public lawyer and Russell McVeagh partner, Tim Clarke has long had the ear of major policy-makers and influential figures working the parliamentary corridors.
An effective lobbyist as well as lawyer he continues to represent major corporate and non-government interests in public sector activity with an encylopaedic knowledge of government and political operators.
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NEXT: Power List 2024 – Nos. 31-50
