Polly Pope > Russell McVeagh > Auckland, New Zealand > Lawyer Profile

Russell McVeagh continues to be involved in many of the country’s high profile insolvencies, such as the cross-border liquidation of Halifax, as well as significant domestic instructions, such as the receivership of FE Investments, and on recent property development collapses, Sanctuary No 8 and Lighthouse. The team is increasingly taking instructions on corporate distress and insolvencies in the construction, forestry and retail sectors. Practice head Matthew Kersey acts predominantly for secured creditors and insolvency professionals, alongside Polly Pope who handles contentious mandates, and John Powell who assists both banks and corporates on restructuring issues. Nathaniel Walker and senior associate Jeremy Upson are recommended for insolvency litigation. All individuals are based in Auckland.

Russell McVeagh’s practice covers the full spectrum of construction and real estate work. On the construction side, it is best known for expertise in highly sensitive disputes, project development, procurement and leasing arrangements. In terms of real estate work, the team specialises in high-value capital markets transactions, acquisitions and sales. Ed Crook leads the firm’s front-end construction offering, which is focused primarily on advising institutional property owners relating to major developments across Australia. Polly Pope leads the firm’s contentious mandates, acting for principals, financiers, contractors and consultants in a diverse range of disputes and significant projects. David Butler stands out for his strong track record when advising on complex capital markets transactions and development schemes. Anna Crosbie and Michael Taylor are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Auckland.

Russell McVeagh is a full-service litigation practice that demonstrates strong capability in class actions, insolvency proceedings, construction disputes and ADR mandates. Group chair Marika Eastwick-Field is a top advocate for M&A disputes, banking and financial services, capital markets, property and insurance. Commercial litigators Malcolm Crotty, Kirsten Massey; insolvency partner Matthew Kersey and class action specialist Polly Pope, are the other central figures in Auckland. The Wellington litigation team comprises Chris Curran, whose work spans complex commercial disputes, public law, judicial reviews and IT projects, and Emmeline Rushbrook, who acts for financial markets participants in regulatory enforcement action involving the Financial Markets Authority, Commerce Commission and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.