Ross Patterson > MinterEllisonRuddWatts > Auckland, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is noted for its ability to marry a ‘meticulous attention-to-detail’ with a ‘deep industry knowledge’ across the full spectrum of TMT matters. The team boasts expertise in tech transformation projects, large-scale M&A transactions and emerging technologies. At the helm sits Auckland’s Tom Maasland, who is roundly praised for his ‘extensive knowledge, pragmatic approach, and genuine demeanour’; Maasland frequently advises on emerging tech, including cyber security, AI and blockchain-related matters. Ross Patterson routinely represents clients in New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations and Commerce Commission investigations. The Wellington office is home to John McCay and ‘standout performer’ Jane Parker, who is a key port of call for blue-chip clients on critical tech projects. Associate Kate Cruickshank specialises in commercial law with particular expertise in IT contracts, film financing, and consumer legal issues.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts fields a strong team that is highly regarded for its ability to cover a wide range of competition law mandates from merger control and anti-competitive conduct to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy matters. Practice head Ross Patterson, dubbed as the ‘most experienced practitioner in town’ by one client, regularly represents clients in some of New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations, and Commerce Commission investigations. The ‘excellent’ Jennifer Hambleton has a particular speciality in merger clearances, enforcement actions, and disputes, regularly advising commercial and government clients in all levels of the New Zealand courts. Associate April Payne assists public and private sector clients with both contentious and non-contentious competition, consumer, and health and safety mandates.