Simpson Grierson

Restructuring and insolvency

Partner

James leads the firm's banking and finance national practice group. He is a highly experienced commercial litigator with particular expertise in financial services litigation, restructuring and insolvency law, and company law litigation.

James advises on all aspects of restructuring, turnaround, and insolvency law. He acts for insolvency practitioners, directors, and creditors on both contentious and non–contentious matters. James frequently acts on directors' duties claims, asset-tracing and fraud claims, security disputes, and cross–border insolvencies.

James advises financial institutions, including major trading banks, on a range of commercial matters.

He also acts for parties in corporate/commercial disputes, including contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, breach of confidence claims, and disputes relating to limited partnerships and joint ventures. He is also experienced in litigation-funded claims and class actions.

Recognition

Asia Pacific Legal 500 Restructuring & Insolvency 2026 – Leading Lawyer

Chambers Asia-Pacific Restructuring & Insolvency 2026 – Leading Lawyer

IFLR1000 Restructuring & Insolvency 2025 – Highly Regarded

The International Who’s Who Legal Restructuring & Insolvency 2023 – Leading Lawyer

English

New Zealand Law Society

Civil Litigation & Tribunals Committee

Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association of New Zealand (RITANZ)

Banking & Financial Services Law Association (BFSLA).

BA LLB(Hons)