Tompkins Wake > Rotorua, New Zealand > Firm Profile

Tompkins Wake > The Legal 500 Rankings

New Zealand > Dispute resolution Tier 3

Tompkins Wake’s ‘straightforward, hard-working and efficient’ litigation team primarily operates from the firm’s Hamilton office, acting for national clients in disputes relating to dairy industry regulation, insurance, property, aviation and agribusiness issues, among others. The practice also advises local government entities, including Hamilton City Council and South Waikato District Council, on a broad range of contentious issues, from commercial and property disputes to judicial reviews and electoral matters. Praised for his ‘sharp mind and excellent strategic thinking’, the team is headed up by James MacGillivray. Kate Cornegé, experienced in dairy, energy and telecoms-related disputes, is a further key member of the team. The Auckland-based Chen Jiang joined the practice from Glaister Ennor in October 2021.

New Zealand > Intellectual property Tier 3

Noted for its capability in managing (frequently multi-jurisdictional) trade mark portfolios, Tompkins Wake’s also counts IP litigation, including opposition and revocation proceeding, IP due diligence, as well as design and copyright mandates in its workload – particularly for clients in the manufacturing, food and beverage, technology, and consumer goods sectors. Shelley Slade-Gully, who frequently acts for agribusinesses, is a key contact in the team and advises on trade mark strategies, IP licensing matters and disputes. In the firm’s Hamilton office, Slade-Gully jointly leads the practice alongside Kate Cornegé, who handles IP protection and enforcement matters.

New Zealand > Labour and employment Tier 3

Tompkins Wake’s ‘collective experience and knowledge shines through’ when advising clients on contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including organisational restructurings, health and safety issues, personal grievance claims and employment investigations. In the firm’s Hamilton office, practice leader Mark Hammond acts for local government entities on contentious mandates, while Karina McLuskie, who was promoted to partner in April 2022, ‘provides top-notch advice’ on employment agreements, industrial relations and collective bargaining. In the same month, Daniel Erickson joined the Auckland-based team from boutique firm Douglas Erickson Employment Lawyers. Other key members of the group include Fraser Wood and associate Fiona Dalziel, who operate from the Rotorua and Hamilton offices, respectively.

New Zealand > Projects and resources management (including environment) Tier 3

Based in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, Tompkins Wake advises local authorities, corporate clients and agritech companies on resource consent applications, designations and district plan reviews and changes, in addition to having demonstrable capability in rural infrastructure and development projects. In the firm’s Rotorua office, Theresa Le Bas leads the team and is noted for her expertise in resource management and local government law, while Hamilton-based Bridget Parham advises on matters concerning plan development, subdivisions and urban growth, and infrastructure.

New Zealand > Real estate and construction Tier 3

Tompkins Wake’s ‘commercially astute’ real estate practice advises local government authorities, developers and investors, property funds and private sector clients on development projects, acquisitions and disposals, as well as leasing matters. Scott Ratuki, who has experience in large-scale commercial developments and subdivisions, jointly leads the practice alongside Peter Duncan, who specialises in local government property mandates. In November 2021, Andrew Orme left for Lane Neave, while Rotorua-based Catriona Gordon joined the firm following its merger with Lava Law. Other key members of the team include Peter Fanning, who focuses on development projects, subdivisions and land acquisitions, Kate Searancke and Campbell Stewart. All named practitioners are based in the firm’s Hamilton office, unless stated otherwise.

New Zealand > Corporate and M&A Tier 4

Tompkins Wake goes ‘beyond the call of duty’ for its diverse roster of clients – including large corporates, indigenous tribes, domestic banks and local government authorities – on commercial acquisitions, disposals and capital raising mandates. In the firm’s Hamilton office, Mark Renner leads the team, while Phil Taylor leverages his international experience to assist start-ups through all stages of their growth, from formation and investment funding to M&A. The Auckland office is home to ‘exceptional M&A lawyer’ Mark Lowndes, ‘exemplary’ Tom Arieli, and Kerri Dewe, who is praised as ‘extremely diligent and focused’.