Lane Neave > Christchurch, New Zealand > Firm Profile
Lane Neave Offices
PO BOX 13 - 149
CHRISTCHURCH
New Zealand
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Lane Neave > The Legal 500 Rankings
New Zealand > Labour and employment Tier 2
With office situated across Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, the employment practice at Lane Neave is all-encompassing, covering disputes, immigration, and health and safety matters, through to privacy, human rights, and people and culture strategies. Andrew Shaw is the firm’s managing partner and notably serves on the New Zealand Law Society ACC Committee.Practice head(s):
Andrew Shaw; Fiona McMillan; Andy Bell; Mark Williams; Rachael Mason; Julia Strickett
Testimonials
‘Everyone is very knowledgeable, they are very much people focused and very approachable and available. ’
‘I find the individuals I have worked with over the past 5 years able to provide no nonsense practical advice. They get rid of the legal jargon and help you understand the options available to you in a way that just makes sense!’
‘The depth of expertise within Lane Neaves team is amazing. It’s not just a one-person response. Where necessary the entire team is utilised to provide the specialist answers and responses. I have felt at ease to engage with Lane Neave on a variety of employment questions and issues for my company.’
‘Lane Neave is highly responsive in a timely manner. They apply critical thinking to all the opinions and advice they give.’
‘They listen and consider the client’s perspective with alacrity and a clear legal perspective providing excellent support in both advisory and litigious situations.’
‘Andrew Shaw is an outstanding practitioner. He is a wise and experienced legal mind, who provides incisive support and excellent service.’
‘Lane Neave provides big law firm quality at a much more affordable price. We especially appreciate their pragmatic approach to both advice and drafting and their willingness to package it in a way our board members can easily digest.’
‘We enjoy the relaxed and friendly style of the lawyers we use at Lane Neave across all levels. While they are all technically expert blackletter lawyers, they have taken the time to understand our organisation and our drivers and concerns.’
Key clients
Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ
Lifelinks New Zealand Limited
Winstone Wallboards
Accor Hotels
Work highlights
- Advised Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ with on a long-term secondment arrangement, over a range of matters, such as complex serious misconduct investigation.
- Acting for Lifelinks New Zealand Limited in a matter before the Employment Relations Authority, which is part of a number of cases being heard in New Zealand dealing with the complex legal issue of the employment status of caregivers.
- Acting for Accor Hotels in relation to a wide variety of immigration matters, including training information to the HR and recruitment teams regarding key policy criteria.
New Zealand > Banking and finance Tier 3
Praised for its ‘hands-on and personal approach’, the ‘strong’ banking and finance team at Lane Neave is noted for its proficiency in specialised structured finance, securitisation, and receivables financing transactions, regularly acting for funders and local banks. The Auckland-based practice has witnessed a steady stream of cross-border lending transactions, including acquisition financing, over the last 12 months. Leading the team is the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Evelyn Jones who has particular expertise in off-balance sheet financing and securitisation.Practice head(s):
Evelyn Jones
Testimonials
‘They are a small but good and strong B&F team with good expertise and experience.’
‘Good attention to detail and good follow up on transactions.’
‘The team offers a high-quality boutique banking practice within a large South Island-based firm.’
‘Evelyn Jones is superb at what she does.’
‘This team is highly skilled with a depth of knowledge that makes conversations around complex topics effortless.’
‘Evelyn Jones is our main contact, and she is always quick, accurate and reliable.’
‘Lane Neave has a strong banking and financial services team that provides a hands-on and personal approach, backed up by impressive local and international, technical and industry experience.’
‘Evelyn Jones is easy to deal with and is always available for a chat to provide off-the-cuff advice. She is extremely knowledgeable on financing technicalities, coupled with a good business sense to provide commercially-pragmatic advice. She knows our bank well and our uniqueness in the market and I see her and her team as an extension of our legal function.’
Key clients
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Bank of New Zealand
ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Bank of China
China Construction Bank
Vincent Securities Limited
Fisher Funds Management Limited
Unity Credit Union
Public Trust and New Zealand Permanent Trustees Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Public Trust with its capacity as the Bond Supervisor in an inaugural retail offer of $100m unsecured, unsubordinated fixed rate bonds issued by Napier Port Holdings Limited.
- Acted for Fisher Funds in relation to their inaugural investment of managed client funds into a residential mortgage-backed securitisation programme.
- Advised Commonwealth Bank of Australia on the New Zealand aspects of its syndicated funding provided to a private equity joint venture group established to hold multi property investments across Australasia.
New Zealand > Dispute resolution Tier 3
The litigation team at Lane Neave is praised for its ‘broad range of speciality lawyers’ and ‘very pragmatic’ approach. The practice advises a range of clients, from large companies and publicly owned entities, to smaller businesses and individuals. Spearheading the practice is commercial litigation and insolvency expert Ben Russell, who has been praised for his ‘spot on strategic advice’. Rebecca Scott is noted for her experience in a range of commercial and civil litigation disputes, while new hire James Cochrane (previously at Stace Hammond) has significant banking and finance, insolvency, and insurance experience.Practice head(s):
Ben Russell
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Scott; Simon Clay; Hayley McKee; Mike King; James Cochrane
Testimonials
‘The team have a broad range of skill sets which enable clients to receive very professional and well-determined advice on all issues surrounding and relating to dispute resolution.’
‘We have used this firm for dispute resolution a number of times; they have the requisite skills for this type of work and have always provided advice in a timely manner.’
‘The team at Lane Neave are super flexible and hard working, very pragmatic and insightful about strategy, and very client outcome focussed. I love working with these guys.’
‘Ben Russell provides spot on strategic advice on time and on budget every time.’
‘Both partners have a very clear view and understanding of the challenges faced by our organisation and have provided considerable support and very solid advice across a range of issues.’
‘Rebecca Scott is an excellent team leader, very accomplished in her commercial litigation and hugely hard workers for their clients.’
‘Lane Neave have a very broad range of specialty lawyers covering all aspects and fields.’
‘Good team with relevant experience to the case at hand. Competent, experienced and easy to work with.’
Key clients
PKF Corporate Recovery & Insolvency (Auckland) Limited
Orion New Zealand Limited
Interleasing New Zealand Limited
McMillan Shakespeare Limited
Synlait Milk Limited
Westland District Council
Bathurst Resources Limited
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Trustees Executors Limited
Deloitte New Zealand
BDO New Zealand
CEAS / 151 Insurance Limited
North Ridge Living Limited
Gerry Rea Partners
Khov Jones
Work highlights
- Advising PwC as liquidators of Genetic Developments (NZ) Exports Limited Partnership, a livestock exporter which collapsed in September 2022 with a shortfall to over 50 farmer creditors of $12m.
- Representing a client in defending a claim brought by a group of 12 plaintiffs seeking recovery of approximately $4m losses arising from the 2017 Port Hills fires.
- Acted for Chris McCullagh and Steve Lawrence (PKF) as liquidators of Kaikorai Valley Properties Ltd (In Liq) in bringing a claim against WG Limited Partnership to recover assets for the benefit of the company’s creditors.
New Zealand > Investment funds Tier 3
Based across the Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown offices, Lane Neave‘s ‘very client-driven’ team has demonstrable experience in structuring and establishing managed investment schemes. Following the departure of Claire Evans, who left the firm alongside Joelle Grace, new partner hire Aaron Pickett takes on the role as practice head. Pickett is noted for his expertise in private M&A, joint ventures, private equity investments and matters related to start-ups. Andrew Comer also joins the ranks. Carlo Wan specialises in all aspects of financial services, financial markets and regulatory matters.Practice head(s):
Aaron Pickett
Other key lawyers:
Carlo Wan; Andrew Comer; Alex Stone; Peter Ko
Testimonials
‘Carlo is our first point of contact. He always responds quickly, and helps to liaise with other team members if the request is out of his area. Peter Ko helps us on the settlement. He is very professional and quick as well. We do not need to worry if it is an urgent settlement.’
‘The team is very client-driven. They are very thorough and ensure their advice is well thought through.’
‘Alex Stone is patient and explains the issue well, especially in the more difficult areas in which we seek advice. He has a good network to resolve a problem if it is not in his primary area of expertise.’
Key clients
Williams Corporation Limited
Williams Corporation Capital Limited
Williams Corporation Capital Partnership LP
GreenMount Capital NZ Limited
Syft Technologies Limited
Pegasus Health (Charitable) Limited
Zincovery Process Technologies Limited
Hashbane Interactive Limited
Covenant Trustee Services Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for leading New Zealand property developer Williams Corporation and its group entities in respect of its approx. $135m wholesale finance and managed investment scheme offerings.
- Acted for New Zealand recycling technology company Zincovery Process Technologies in its $3m seed-round capital raise.
- Acted for private equity fund manager GreenMount Capital NZ in respect of its minority investment in Jucy Rentals.
New Zealand > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
The ‘very knowledgable’ corporate team at Lane Neave is now led by Aaron Pickett who joined from Malugo Darling Law & Advisory following the departure of former head Claire Evans. The team also welcomed Andrew Comer who joined from Stace Hammond. Recent instructions include inbound investments and multimillion NZD M&A transactions.Practice head(s):
Aaron Pickett
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Comer; Carlo Wan; Mark McKitterick; Alex Stone; Graeme Crombie
Testimonials
‘Strong teamwork and willingness to come up with solutions quickly and without delay.’
‘We find them very responsive, commercial, and good to deal with.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable, and they genuinely look after our interests. It feels as though they are an extension of our own company.’
‘Graeme Crombie is highly knowledgeable regarding all legal matters and our business and has been working with us for many years.’
‘We have worked closely with Carlo Wan and Alex Stone at Lane Neave. Carlo and Alex have been excellent to deal with and have always provided us with clear and timely advice on our regulatory obligations under the Financial Markets Conduct Act. They are efficient, and focus on the details.’
‘The team is pragmatic, approachable and committed.’
‘The team at Lane Neave is prepared to give honest commercial advice, they are reliable, informed, and approachable. We have felt in every engagement that they care about the outcome of the transaction and look to add genuine value at every step.’
Key clients
Bathurst Resources Limited
BT Mining Limited
Williams Corporation Limited
Williams Corporation Capital Limited
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
GreenMount Capital NZ Limited
Pegasus Health (Charitable) Limited
Infusion Business Software Limited
Medi-Map Limited
Ullrich Group
Go To Collection Limited
Synlait Milk Limited
Zincovery Process Technologies Limited
Hashbane Interactive Limited
Covenant Trustee Services Limited
Waikato – BOP Chicken Growers Association
New Zealand Tegel Growers Association
Jeuneora Limited
Platform Homes Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Ullrich Group and its founder Gilbert Ullrich in the NZD $165 million acquisition of Ullrich Aluminium Limited by ASX/NZX listed steel giant Vulcan Steel Limited.
- Acted for New Zealand medication management technology provider Medi-Map Limited and its founders during its trans-Tasman acquisition by medical technology group Z Software.
- Acted for Blue Hospitality Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of Go To Collection Limited (the Madam Woo restaurant chain).
New Zealand > Projects and resources management (including environment) Tier 4
Lane Neave houses ‘a leading South Island resource management practice’, well-regarded for its ability to provide strategic advice and representation on complex projects. The team advises on mandates ranging from large-scale commercial, industrial and residential property development, to infrastructure projects and cultural, coastal, conservation and tourism issues. The team is spearheaded by Joshua Leckie who has extensive experience across a range of projects and resource management processes, regularly advising on the development of large-scale projects.Practice head(s):
Joshua Leckie
Other key lawyers:
Katharine Hockly; Sarah Anderton
Testimonials
‘Very experienced in the area of mining in New Zealand and consenting mining projects.’
‘The access directly to partners is much valued.’
‘A deep practical understanding of our business, a good sense of humour meaning that even when the pressure is on we can still crack a joke or two.’
‘A leading South Island resource management practice.’
‘Joshua absolutely knows his stuff.’
‘Clear work strategies, highly professional, attention to detail, high work ethic, excellent communication, fast and efficient service, and overall, excellent people and client skills.’
‘Joshua Leckie consistently provides sound and pragmatic advice which I value.’
‘Joshua is an exceptional lawyer with great care for his clients. He is always available for quick questions, perceptive to our needs, and goes the extra mile to ensure we feel confident and fully informed of the legal analysis and risks.’
Key clients
Bathurst Resources Limited and BT Mining Limited
Woolworths New Zealand Limited
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
KiwiRail Holdings Limited
Cardrona Alpine Resort Limited
Remarkables Station Limited
University of Otago
Bluesky Pastures Limited
Shundi Queenstown Limited
Kapiti Retail Holdings Limited
Blackthorn Limited
Trojan Holdings Limited
Williams Corporation Limited
Joval Family Wines (NZ) Limited
Stewart Family Assets Limited
Wanaka A Trust
B Property Group Limited
NZ Ski Limited
100WPS Limited
Larksbay New Zealand Family Trust
Real Journeys Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Bathurst Coal Limited on the consenting of the closure of the Canterbury Coal Mine.
- Acted University of Otago in relation to the successful grant of consent and development of their Hākitekura Project. Hākitekura is the redevelopment of gifted land into an academic retreat and conference facility in Jacks Point, Queenstown.
- Advised and represented Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in the development of the Marlborough Environmental Plan.
Lane Neave > Firm Profile
Lane Neave is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading full-service tier 1 law firms, with 26 partners and over 150 staff nationwide. We provide legal services to clients throughout New Zealand.
Founded in 1868, we combine the capability of our specialist legal expertise with our significant depth of resources, focusing on delivering personalised legal service to create close and long-lasting client relationships.
Committed to solving legal problems and realising opportunities, we have the necessary experience, intellectual firepower and commercial pragmatism to deliver results to all our clients, from multinational corporates to small business owners and individuals.
Many of our partners are recognised by Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, Doyles and Best Lawyer. Lane Neave is one of the few law firms selected by the New Zealand Government to provide legal services under an All of Government procurement programme. The firm is a member of the International Commercial Law Alliance (ICLA).
Practice areas: Lane Neave has the depth of expertise and experience to really make a difference to businesses. The firm will give decisive, strategic advice on everything from day to day transactions to complex legal cases.
The team have the level of experience required to deal with the complexities involved in each area of personal law. The firm will deliver real clarity and take the lead in ensuring its clients get the best outcome.
The firm’s specialisms include:
- Banking and finance
- Building and construction
- Commercial property
- Competition, consumer and marketing
- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution and litigation
- Environmental investment funds and capital markets mergers and acquisitions
- Insolvency and restructuring
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Local government
- Resource management
- Technology, data protection and privacy
- Workplace law (employment, health and safety, ACC and immigration)
Details of all Lane Neave’s practice areas are available on the website – www.laneneave.co.nz.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Employment | Andrew Shaw | [email protected] | 64 29 244 9001 |
CEO | Peter Dwan | [email protected] | 64 21 888 290 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
James Cochrane | James is a partner in our Dispute Resolution and Litigation team. He… | View Profile | |
Andrew Comer | Andrew is a Partner in Lane Neave’s Corporate team (Auckland office). He… | View Profile | |
Evelyn Jones | Evelyn leads the banking and finance practice at Lane Neave. She has… | View Profile | |
Mike King | Mike is a Partner in Lane Neave’s dispute resolution and litigation team.… | View Profile | |
Joshua Leckie | Joshua is a resource management and environmental lawyer, with extensive experience across… | View Profile | |
Fiona McMillan | Fiona is a Partner of the employment law team and commenced her… | View Profile | |
Aaron Pickett | Aaron is Head of Lane Neave’s Corporate team in Christchurch and has… | View Profile | |
Ben Russell | Ben is a dispute resolution specialist with broad experience in commercial litigation… | View Profile | |
Anna Ryan | Anna specialises in corporate and commercial law and leads Lane Neave’s competition… | View Profile | |
Rebecca Scott | Rebecca is a Partner in Lane Neave’s dispute resolution and litigation team.… | View Profile | |
Andrew Shaw | Andrew is the Managing Partner of Lane Neave and he heads the… | View Profile | |
Carlo Wan | Carlo specialises in all aspects of financial services, financial markets and regulatory… | View Profile |