DLA Piper New Zealand's litigation practice is led in Wellington by Emma Moran, recognised for her disputes experience and sector knowledge. Daniel Street, dual-qualified in New Zealand and Australia, focuses on complex disputes in financial services and energy. Ian Thain is an trial advocate with a background in major regulatory and commercial disputes, including merger control litigation. Bridget Murphy, promoted to partner in March 2025, has over 20 years’ experience advising leading organisations on legal risk and dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent integration with corporate M&A and energy, projects team.’
‘The team are: domain experts, excellent communicators – very organised/prompt in their engagement – very proactive and always looking to share new insights and developments.’
Key clients
- Foodstuffs
- DWS Pty Ltd
- Mott MacDonald
- Eke Panuku Development Auckland Limited
- Apple Incorporated
- Boss Fire & Safety Pty Ltd
- Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co., Limited
- NZ Merchants
- Maison Cabriole (via AIG)
Work highlights
Advising the Merger Steering Committee, comprised of board members from each of FSSI and FSNI, in relation to the proposed amalgamation of FSSI and FSNI by High Court application. If the court approves the merger, it will produce New Zealand's largest food, grocery, and beverage group.
Acting for Mott MacDonald in a complex, multi-party High Court proceeding involving claims of negligent design and construction of the Merchant Quarter apartment development in Auckland. The litigation involves four body corporates and numerous unit holders seeking damages exceeding NZD2.55 million, alongside significant expert evidence and multiple cross-claims.
Representing HCL/DWS in a complex contract dispute with New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs concerning a Master ICT Agreement for the Te Ara Manaaki Civil Registration Solution Project. The matter involves specialised ICT and contract law issues, and DLA Piper successfully obtained an urgent interlocutory injunction to prevent the release of materials to the Department, with the dispute now moving towards substantive resolution.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Emma Moran; Daniel Street
Other key lawyers
Ian Thain; Bridget Murphy