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Dispute resolution

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Fee Langstone

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Fee Langstone is a commercial litigation firm with a strong focus on insurance-related disputes. Philippa Fee has extensive experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, often acting for insurers and their insured clients. Craig Langstone has appeared frequently in the New Zealand courts as lead counsel and also works extensively in mediation. Virginia Wethey's practice centres on professional indemnity litigation. Russell Stewart and Matthew Atkinson have wide experience in defending negligence claims and handling disciplinary and regulatory proceedings involving professionals. Bradley Alcorn was promoted to partner in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Their strength in the area of audit negligence is remarkable.'

  • 'In my view they have the best lawyers in New Zealand, with hands-on involvement across every detail of a case.'

  • 'Philippa Fee is probably the most impressive lawyer I've ever witnessed – she knows the law, the issues, and the commercial context better than anyone in the room.'

  • 'Well-recognised and respected insurance law specialists.'

  • 'Philippa Fee – common sense and practical; Angus Wakeman – detail-focused with strong commercial instincts.'

  • 'The team is led by two experts in insurance litigation – proactive, timely, and always putting the client first.'

Key clients

  • EY
  • Frank’s International
  • Grant Thornton
  • KPMG Ireland
  • KPMG New Zealand
  • Lloyds of London (various syndicates)
  • NCI Commercial Collections
  • NTI Limited
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • QBE European Operations
  • QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd
  • NZI & NZI Marine

Work highlights

Acting for Chapman Tripp in defending High Court class action proceedings in relation to the initial public offering (IPO) of shares and subsequent collapse of the Intuieri Education Group in 2017. The proceeding was set down for trial in April 2015 but settled in September 2024.
Assisting Ernst & Young to defend defamation proceedings brought against one of its former liquidators.
Aiding Maersk Connect New Zealand Limited and its parent company, Aersk AS following serous health and safety incidents aboard cargo vessels.

Practice head

Philippa Fee; Craig Langstone; Virginia Wethey; Russell Stewart; Cecily Brick; Matthew Atkinson; Bradley Alcorn

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