Robertsons > Auckland, New Zealand > Firm Profile

Robertsons > Firm Profile

The firm: At Robertsons, we only do insurance. Our primary objective is to know everything about the insurance industry and the laws that govern it, both in New Zealand and abroad. Robertsons is a specialist firm that punches above its weight, and attracts and retains clients that place value on developing a genuine partnership to achieve outstanding results.

There are very few specialist insurance law practices in New Zealand. There are very few partners or insurance practice leaders in larger firms that have the depth of specific knowledge, experience and expertise that comes from being a specialist practitioner of long and significant standing.

The Robertsons senior team has more than 90 years combined experience in insurance law and claims handling and take pride in identifying novel, pragmatic and cost-efficient solutions that assist our clients in achieving their objectives. Experience in all areas of insurance, coupled with critical thinking, is what sets Robertsons apart.

Partners Michael Robertson and Helen Twomey manage all client relationships and take pride in having hands on knowledge of every claim being dealt with. This guarantees a consistent attitude and approach as well as ensuring that any issues that may arise are swiftly identified, with high-level solutions.  Over the years, Robertsons has grown and together with Michael and Helen the team now includes Jennifer Thompson, a 38-year insurance veteran who was a partner at a leading London insurance law firm specialising in aviation and Nicola Faulkner who has 14 years’ experience in insurance in London and New Zealand. The team is rounded out by three intermediate solicitors, David Newport, Whitney Robertson and Sophie Curtlett and four junior solicitors, Magnus Walker, Heather Bridgman, Grace Williams and Hannah Mackenzie all of whom share a passion for insurance.

Areas of practice
Liability insurance: Robertsons’ primary area of expertise is in liability insurance. The team members have many years of experience in all aspects of liability insurance from drafting liability insurance products (including bespoke policies) through to liability management, claims handling and litigation services; and in all areas from professional indemnity claims and directors and officers claims to general liability claims.

Professional indemnity: the firm has acted for a diverse range of professionals in all New Zealand Courts and before various tribunals and regulatory bodies. The firm’s advice is routinely sought on indemnity matters and in drafting professional indemnity policies and endorsements, including bespoke policies.

General liability: Robertsons regularly drafts general liability policies, endorsements and extensions. The firm also acts on a large number – and wide range – of general liability claims, often involving multi-party claims or claims involving difficult indemnity issues.

Statutory liability: the firm regularly defends insureds against prosecution before Courts and Tribunals pursuant to their statutory liability cover.

Tech/cyber liability: Robertsons has assisted in the drafting of technology liability products and endorsements and handled a variety of technology claims for a range of insurers.

Fidelity: the firm often provides indemnity advice in relation to fidelity losses and recovery actions.

Material damage and business interruption: the firm acts for insurers on material damage claims. Generally, it is engaged on claims giving rise to complex indemnity issues or significant losses. It also assists in policy drafting and interpretation, particularly since the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010/11.

Directors and officers/trustees liability: the firm has been retained on a number of directors and officers and trustees liability claims, both where proceedings have been issued and where a complaint has been made to a regulatory body.

Aviation: the firm acts for a number of aviation liability insurers including Lloyd’s Syndicates and international insurers in relation to commercial aviation claims in New Zealand. Jennifer Thompson has significant international expertise in aviation including hull, passenger, cargo, baggage and travel/tour operator liabilities.

International liability: the firm regularly act for domestic insurers with international claims most regularly in the Pacific Islands, Australia, the UK and the USA.

Lawyer Profiles

Photo	Name	Position	Profile
	Heather Bridgman		View Profile
	Hannah Mackenzie		View Profile
	Michael Robertson	Partner	View Profile
	Helen Twomey	Partner	View Profile
	Magnus Walker	Solicitor	View Profile
	Grace Williams		View Profile