The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > New Zealand > Real estate and construction

“The firm shows a high level of professionalism and has solid team depth, with partners and expertise in every field related to real estate.”

“Ian Becke is exceptionally good. We have been working together over five years in many deals on the real estate transaction side and he combines strong expertise in the field, good commercial sense and strong focus on quality and client care. In addition, because of his previous experience in Australia, he is bringing a new level of professionalism to the field.”

“Senior solicitor Jan Chen is very efficient, detailed and thorough in various aspects of the deals we are working on and she is an important asset to the team.”

“The construction team has offered real-time advice based on industry best practice in New Zealand.”

“Ian Becke brings high level experience to the table along with a very personable and friendly approach. He and his team ensure that complex legal ease is unpacked so as the non-lawyers understand. They also ask the right questions, so they understand the risks associated from a practical perspective for a construction project.”

“The firm brings depth of capability, flexibility and a willingness to consider new approaches and ideas.”

“Ian Becke is a knowledgeable, innovative, highly pragmatic and solution-focused lawyer and an astute negotiator.”

“Bell Gully is very professional and has lots of experience. The team points out exactly what we should focus on. And from the minor things to big one, their consulting was reliable.”

“It is the market’s leading real estate practice. It has a very deep pool of expertise across the property team. They cover the market and are very up-to-date with recent market changes and trends, which as a principal investor is critical to being successful in a very competitive investment market.”

“Jane Holland is one of the most experienced and respected property partners in NZ. We have completed multiple billions of transactions with Jane and her team and she has always been nothing short of exceptional.”

“We formed a great working relationship on a very tough and complex deal. Bell Gully’s technical expertise, broad experience and commercial nous were invaluable on the deal. However, the personalities were probably the most important part of making the deal team function so well.”

“Andrew Petersen has a great body of experience which he was able to apply to a unique and complex transaction to help find practical solutions.”

“For construction and leaky building matters, Simon Ladd and Brad Ward provide excellent, timely advice and they are an absolute pleasure to work with.”

“The firm has really valued, trusted advisors on complex deals. The lawyers present as very strategic, out-of-box thinkers work well as a team. They are technically outstanding.”

“Susannah Shaw was outstanding and David Chisnall provided great oversight as partner.”

“Hugh Kettle is just superb.”

“Jane Holland leads a strong team that meets our needs over a wide range of real estate and construction matters. She has complete client focus.”

“Chapman Tripp’s real estate and construction practice has one of the few pure construction-focused teams in New Zealand. In addition, they can seamlessly work in with the legal team and the business directly. Easily the best construction team in New Zealand. When it comes to ‘bet the company’ projects, they are easily the best firm in New Zealand.”

“Brian Clayton is outstanding. He leads the team and provides safe guidance of major projects. He is extremely experienced and exceptional in the negotiation room.”

“Hamish Bolland is a good young partner and a safe pair of hands.”

“Jenny Kenyon is a workhorse. She manages her workload with a smile and is extremely pleasant to deal with.”

“Kylie Mutch is a future star. She is much better than her years and one of the best lawyers I have worked with given her years of experience. She will definitely be a construction lawyer receiving significant accolades in the near future.”

“Although I am Auckland-based I prefer to use the Wellington office for the more complicated lease documentation work in our Wellington portfolio. This is because the office is well resourced and its real estate and construction divisions are highly regarded.”

“My primary dealings are with Ish Fraser who is very commercially minded and has clear thought processes that allow him to articulate sometimes complex issues clearly and concisely.”

“Sarah Sinclair is an excellent construction partner and has first-class knowledge in the energy industry.”

“The team is excellent at keeping in-house legal update to date with all matters, issues and processes. The team has a great approach to our legal issues and really understand the business.”

“Patricia Green is an excellent lawyer. She provides standout, practical advice, and takes the time to understand the business and the in-house team. We really value her access and her knowledge of property law within a Government context.”

“I deal with a number of legal firms in New Zealand and what differentiates this firm is it has a wonderful work ethic, while maintaining a very warm and engaging client-centric focus. I have especially enjoyed working with partner Janine Stewart. The teamwork is exemplary.”

“Mark Crosbie and Andrew Monteith are both at the top of their game, and lead strong expert teams. The advice is legally strong, but commercial and practically focussed.”

“Ed Dunphy is very good – easy to deal with, commercial and practical in his approach.”

“The firm has a pragmatic problem-solving approach.”

“The firm provides exceptional personal service and knowledge of the client’s issues. Ed Dunphy and Tim Barclay are a great team. The have differing expertise which enables them to deal with a broad range of property-related matters for us in an excellent manner.”

“The firm has a pragmatic problem-solving approach and Ed Dunphy is technically capable, responsive and commercially aware.”

“The firm has  performed strongly for us on lease and sales agreements and has good knowledge of current lease and documentation trends.”

“Tom Bennett has a great understanding of our business and the environment we work in. He is very responsive and proactive with clear, robust and appropriate advice and support. And he is a pleasure to deal with.”

“They have a great team culture and positive ‘can-do’ approach.”

“They are great at communicating. The advice is always pragmatic and in context to the outcomes and the specific risk appetite for the transaction.”

“A really trusted firm. The advice is practical and commercially focussed. It provides superb value for money and really works alongside the in-house lawyers.”

“Charlotte Von Dadelszen and Caitlin Olsen are brilliant lawyers and a great team. They are solutions-focus and practical.”

“The firm shows genuine care and dedication to contribute for the greater social good as well a make a shareholder return. It is a genuine philanthropic organisation.”

“The firm shows a willingness to assist our business above and beyond legal matters, social good, learning and development.”

“The real estate and construction team has a broad range of experience and brings commercial reality to transactions.”

“Justin March has a wide range of property legal experience, and Williamena Sim has an eye for detail in pulling together a transaction.”

“The team is proactive and down to earth. It does not overcomplicate or make things bigger than they need to be.”

“Davida Dunphy has been outstanding to work with. Her availability, turnaround time and commercial advice has added value in every transaction we have worked on together.”

“Davida Dunphy understands clients’ needs and adapts to ensure the experience is painless even when dealing with extremely stressful situations.”

“Deadlines are always met – even when unreasonable – and always with a level of calm.”

“They are readily approachable and it is easy to discuss any issues.”

“We have dealt with Justin March for many years now. He has a great understanding of how we like to approach agreements and how best to document what we require. I find he has a good understanding of what is an important issue to stay firm on and what is acceptable to vary our position on.”

“The firm has very good industry knowledge and experienced partners, and delivers good client care.”

“Mark Williamson is a very good construction lawyer, very knowledgeable.”

“Justin March is a very good property lawyer – very experienced with good client knowledge.”

“Heath Brunton is a very good property and construction lawyer.”

“I have worked with my other firms and lawyers who have been very good but I have found Davida Dunphy to operate at a superior level. My role is hectic and I need someone I can rely on for advice, accuracy and expediency.”

“The firm provides no-nonsense advice, explained clearly.”

“The firm, particularly Nick Gillies, provides proactive, professional and to the point advice.”

“The firm has a great depth of knowledge and experience but the advice is always delivered in a commercially focused manner. Accessibility to and commitment of senior partners is a key strength. The client is always consulted before work passed to associates or senior solicitors. It has a pragmatic approach to all issues.”

“It provides honest, robust and commercially focused legal advice, which is important in a dynamic industry. The standout lawyers are partner Nick Gillies and senior associate Glen Holm-Hansen.”

“The team concentrates on contractor-side construction law support, so it understands the contractor’s perspective and risks.”

“Nick Gillies has exceptional industry knowledge.”

“Anna Crosbie is always very considered and contemplates risks, then provides solutions to them.”

“Dave Butler and his team are fantastic to deal with. They are approachable, knowledgeable and give down to earth advice that is on point. We have done several large projects with the team and we know that they will always deliver good advice and help us to work with other partners in the firm to fill any gaps. We would all recommend them to anyone who needs a good law firm and they are good value for money.”

“Dave Butler is a really good team player and is prepared to listen to us and work with us.”

“The Russell McVeagh team has knowledgeable experts in their field. This, coupled with the depth of their experience, enables them to give first-class practical legal advice. The team has been advising us for a number of years and the knowledge of our business, and the drafting of legal advice with that in mind, is what differentiates them from other firms.”

“Anna Crosbie is a pleasure to work with. Her advice is always spot on and she has a real interest in her clients and understanding the context in which advice is being sought. As well as being extremely knowledgeable, Anna is approachable, passionate about what she does and a real team player.”

“David Butler is client-focused and committed to delivering a high-quality advice. He is flexible in his thinking and offers solution-focused advice.”

“Senior associate Caleb Hensman drives transactions forward and is a reliable point of contact.”

“The team is knowledgeable and very good to work with. It provides clear and unequivocal advice which assists us in making reasoned commercial decisions.”

“The team is responsive and cost-effective.”

“I have worked with the Russell McVeagh property team on the acquisition of a strategic property asset with a number of complexities. Their ability to quickly deal with numerous issues was very valuable and kept the project on track.”

“Anna Crosbie gives commercially focussed advice and works well under pressure. Her technical skills are also excellent and you know that your property matters are in safe hands.”

“The firm has a very strong team for real estate law.”

“The lawyers we deal with are very responsive to needs, in particular Steve Rendall and Natalie Sundstrom.”

“This team has fantastic depth across a broad range of real estate areas. They are highly responsive, efficient and commercial.”

“Dave Butler is an outstanding lawyer and negotiator – the kind of guy you want to have on your side of the table. His confident, measured and pragmatic approach enables speedy resolution of roadblocks.”

“A highly knowledgable and commercial team that is are solutions-based and pragmatic. They provide clear and concise advice, with a clear recommendation for a way forward. They provide their opinions on the best commercial decisions when navigating through situations, with advice based on their knowledge of our business and ownership structure.”

“I like that the team provides their opinions – their advice has a clear direction, with an outline of the risks associated with a path and the rationale around this being the best way forward. Both Steve Rendall and Ed Smithies are great communicators. I always feel I clearly understand the advice being given and potential ramifications of the decisions made.”

“From a litigation perspective, Will Irving is also very good at outlining potential risks whilst providing a way forward to achieve our desired outcome. All members of the firm are responsive and a pleasure to deal with.”