Tompkins Wake's team handles high-value and complex disputes, providing both advisory and advocacy services, and works across domestic and international matters, reflecting the team’s broad litigation and dispute resolution expertise. Kate Cornegé leads the team and has 20 years’ experience in corporate, commercial, property, public law, and competition disputes. Jessica Phillips joined as partner in 2024. Chen Jiang regularly appears in the High Court, advising on contract, trust and estate, company, property, insolvency, and insurance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Wayne Hofer and Chen Jiang are exceptional litigators, they're available to take phone calls and provide off-the-cuff advice, or, other times give detailed considered opinions. They have a quality team of associates too.’
- ‘Very strong depth of skills and experience. Really practical firm and team, great to work with. No hesitation in getting them involved in matters.’
Key clients
- Hamilton City Council
- New Zealand College of Midwives
Work highlights
Acting for NZCOM and over 1,450 midwives in a class action against the Ministry of Health to enforce fair pay under settlement agreements, raising novel issues in Crown contracting, quantum meruit, and discrimination under the Bill of Rights Act.
Practice head
Kate Cornegé
Other key lawyers
Jessica Phillips; Chen Jiang; Wayne Hofer