MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ 'responsive and commercially astute' litigation team acts on complex, large-scale commercial and regulatory disputes, appearing at all court levels. Richard Gordon co-leads the team along with Gillian Service. Jane Standage is a high-profile regulatory litigator. Stacey Shortall advises financial institutions and public sector clients. Andrew Horne specialises in commercial, corporate, regulatory, and technology disputes, while Aaron Lloyd handles significant High Court and appellate matters. Nick Frith acts with leading silks in complex, high-value litigation, and Olivia De Pont is a commercial litigator with particular expertise in insurance law and regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The litigation team have a broad range of experience and work cohesively together to solve complex legal problems. They support their junior members to work closely with clients so that there is great continuity of service.’
- ‘I have appreciated how Nick Frith has supported Hannah Jaques to grow into a leadership role on significant matters that we have instructed them on. They are both technically excellent and commercial. Sean Gollin (partner) has also provided some excellent and pragmatic advice.’
- ‘Jane Standage is an exceptional lawyer. She is clever, commercially aware and can explain difficult concepts clearly.’
- ‘Great experience in handling difficult regulatory matters for large clients. Lots of good performers.’
- ‘Jane Standage is a real star in the regulatory space, both investigations and proceedings. Alex Church is a very strong future partner in general commercial matters. Andy Horne and Sean Gollin are also excellent.’
Key clients
- Bathurst Resources Limited
- BNZ Bank
- Booster Financial Services Group
- Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited
- Dassault Systèmes Australia Pty Ltd
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- LPF Group
- Westpac Bank
- viagogo AG
- Z Energy Group
Work highlights
Representing Booster Investment Management Limited (BIML) and six individuals in a landmark FMA civil case over 75 alleged breaches of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. The 2027 trial concerns related-party investments in unlisted SMEs and novel legal issues.
Assisting Dassault Systèmes in a high-profile, multijurisdictional dispute over a cancelled IT project for the NZ Department of Corrections.
Aiding Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) in the Coronial Inquiry into 18 deaths after the 2023 Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, including two firefighter fatalities.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Stacey Shortall
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Olivia De Pont
Practice head
Richard Gordon; Gillian Service
Other key lawyers
Jane Standage; Stacey Shortall; Andrew Horne; Aaron Lloyd; Nick Frith; Olivia De Pont; Hannah Jaques; Sean Gollin