‘Chris Hodges manages expectations and acts collaboratively with his clients. Inspires trust and operates with humility, curiosity and empathy.’

‘James Cooney is a very reliable and focused corporate partner.’

‘David Coull was always focused on the points that mattered and had a very clear understanding of the commercial and reputational consequences of decisions.’

‘Bell Gully’s USP is its strength and depth of talent across the board. What I’ve found exceptional is the talent and work ethic of the more junior staff.’

‘We work closely with Amon Nunns and Chris Goddard and both are extremely knowledgeable in all areas of corporate law.’

‘Angela Harford is a standout partner in this space for her unwavering professionalism, deep knowledge and deep understanding of her role in supporting the making of informed decisions.’

‘The Bell Gully corporate team not only has the highest technical ability across the whole sweet of relevant areas, but they areincredibly “well-plugged” into the Australasian and global legal and corporate world. This means that they are able to formulate and communicate commercially focused advice in high value M&A transactions.’

‘Jennifer Coote has impressed me since meeting her as a senior associate. Fiercely intelligent but also commercial. Anna Buckly also highly recommended.’

‘The MinterEllison team has a very commercial approach to transactions and looks for solutions rather than issues.’

‘Mark Forman is one of the most commercial and connected M&A lawyers in the New Zealand market. He has an inherent understanding of transaction dynamics, excellent judgment and knows how to close a deal.’

‘We value the pragmatic approach to transactions with a focus on their clients, balanced with achieving the outcomes.’

‘Lauren Archer is highly knowledgeable and always accessible. I really valued being able to confirm any issue that arose even if of a minor nature.’

‘The firm took a pragmatic approach with their advice, giving us several options on how we could tackle issues as they arose.’

‘Commercial and flexible. Willing to align risk/reward with their clients. A leading commercial team.’

‘Top professional law firm in Auckland. Goes beyond strict conservative interpretation of law to provide realistic commercial view.’

‘Silvana Schenone has a exceptionally commercial perspective. The best in the business.’

‘The main contacts are always available, super knowledgable and extremely calm under pressure. The team are very collaborative and through that, you get a seamless service.’

‘Mei Fern Johnson is an excellent partner. She was very responsive to extremely technical matters that arose and other issues during the transaction.’

‘Commerciality, responsiveness and collaboration.’

‘Cath Shirley-Brown is very commercial, solutions focused and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Russell McVeagh have developed a leading corporate practice across New Zealand. They work collaboratively with their clients and utterly understand and work to resolve the issues their clients face.’

‘David Hoare is among the most experienced corporate lawyers in New Zealand, and he is supported by an excellent team of partners who balance commerciality, pragmatism, and deep industry experience.’

‘Ben Paterson deserves specific mention for his ability to cut through complex issues quickly.’

‘All of the senior associates are all deeply capable, organised and on top of all of the details.’

‘Dentons is highly-skilled, always solution-focused and really pragmatic. The team has a wealth of international experience and skill-sets, having practised in different parts of the world. They care about diversity and inclusivity.’

‘Heida Donegan is our go-to partner. She is highly commercial, engaging and a pleasure to work with – a recognised expert in Asia/China-based investments into NZ. We highly recommend her as a leading individual in cross-border M&A with an unparalleled skill-set.’

‘Stuart Robertson is great with giving us direct and precise advice that we are after.’

‘Dentons Kensington Swan NZ team excels in handling a variety of cross-border transactions, as well as domestic deals.’

‘Heida Donegan has substantial knowledge across NZ and the Asia-Pacific region. She is well-connected and resourceful in both NZ and China.’

‘Accessible partners, world wide network and a responsive service.’

‘Wook Jin Lee is my main contact and a first-class corporate and M&A lawyer.’

‘Heida Donegan is highly professional, easy to communicate with, and prompt to answer any questions.’

‘DLA Piper has a very strong corporate practice. They have a good understanding of our business, which enables them to provide tailored commercial advice.’

‘Reuben Woods is a top tier lawyer in the corporate space, especially private M&A and technology-related transactions.’

‘Rachel Taylor is very good in the public M&A and private equity space.’

‘Martin Wiseman is a strong leader in this space with a fantastic commitment to client service.’

‘They are proactive and willing to invest the time to understand our business. They also focus on the key issues and drivers of our business so they can tailor their advice.’

‘Martin Wiseman and Mark Williamson are both excellent. They are commercially focused and pragmatic in their advice.’

‘MW provide a professional and well-structured approach to M&A deals. They slowly worked through the process with us and were able to escalate resources , adjust to the natural course of the deal dynamics with ease and little fuss.’

‘We felt the same level of skill and professionalism with all the MW team, from junior associates right through to partners.’

‘David Gould is pragmatic, informed and holds ground on matters of importance.’

‘The team is responsive, supportive, and knowledgeable.’

‘Top tier advice from a smaller boutique firm. Depth of experience and commerciality brought to negotiations. Direct partner interaction and excellent value.’

‘I find the team to be commercial and strategic. They are excellent at working with us to achieve our business objectives and to ensure that the advice that they provide is tailored and helpful.’

‘Malcolm Hurley is calm, commercial and experienced. Always available.’

‘Anthony Harper provide a comprehensive service with a high level of expertise.’

‘From a corporate and M&A perspective, we deal with Malcolm Hurley. Malcolm is exceptional in the service and value he brings to our business. His skill and expertise result in a very high level of comfort for us in an area that comes with a high level of risk.’

‘Kate Telford has provided excellent advice, which has enabled us to obtain legal outcomes which have benefited us immensely.’

‘Hesketh Henry are always available for advice. They have worked collaboratively with our other external advisors and always offer an insight we had not considered.’

‘Kate Telford is our go-to lawyer on any corporate matter.’

‘Very happy with the performance of this team. They have the right blend of being big enough to be specialised and great at what they do, while also being small enough hat you are dealing with individuals who take the time to understand out business’

‘We have a great, long-standing working relationship with Julika Wahlmann-Smith and she provides great advice.’

‘Great team to work with, wide sector knowledgeable and always on the ball.’

‘Erich Bachmann and Ben Hickson provide commercially sensible advice, and take a collaborative approach, which makes it really easy to work with them.’

‘They are thorough, detail-oriented, but also reasonably pragmatic and effective.’

‘I find Joelle Grace to be thorough, persistent, helpful, pragmatic and knowledgeable about inbound investment. She has become our trusted counsel in the APAC region.’

‘A strong South Island corporate and commercial team.’

‘Joelle Grace is a rising star, with her calm and efficient manner winning her work.’

‘Joelle Grace is a trusted advisor for the management of M&A transactions. She provides clear, well considered advice and is reliable and efficient with her project management of transactions.’

‘The Lane Neave team are quick to respond and get into the detail of complex engagements. They have provided well thought-out advice with a commercial view.’

‘Claire Evans’ insight and pragmatic commercial input was much appreciated, particularly for complex matters.’

‘Our dealings with Lane Neave have been very professional, efficent and knowledgable in overseas companies operating in New Zealand. We will continue to use Lane Neave on all future matters.’

‘The team at Tompkins Wake are very approachable and work with you to meet your timelines.’

‘A real willingness to go the extra mile.’

‘Great breath of skills, experience and also geographic coverage. Very commercial and practical, while being across the details.’

‘Mark Lowndes is an exceptional M&A partner and business-focused.’

‘Kerri Dewe is always across from the details, extremely diligent and focused.’

‘The individuals I deal with are outstanding. They have our back and I have seen them in full flight, fighting our corner which is always comforting.’

‘Great team, always going beyond the call of duty.’

‘I’ve worked extensively with Tom Arieli over many years, and rate him very highly. His knowledge of the corporate law is exemplary, and so is his business acumen.’