‘The depth of knowledge on insurance specific issues is first class’ at specialist insurance and commercial litigation practice Fee Langstone. For nearly 30 years, the firm has acted for most of New Zealand’s major insurers and a range of international clients, advising across almost every type of insurance product. The team is led by Philippa Fee, one of New Zealand’s leading litigation and dispute resolution lawyers, and Craig Langstone, a senior insurance lawyer with decades of courtroom and mediation experience. Virginia Wethey, Cecily Brick, and Bradley Alcorn, who was promoted to partner in February 2025, add expertise in professional indemnity, property and contract risk, policy coverage, maritime and transport insurance, and complex litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team at Fee Langstone are always responsive and a wealth of information. They are easy to talk to and assist in providing strategies to progress matters quickly.'
- 'Melissa Bell: a passion for the law, well read, pragmatic, professional advice. An outstanding insurance professional. Craig Langstone: depth of knowledge and experience, pragmatic and across the details of the file.'
Key clients
- Ag Guard Ando AIG (NZ), AIG Australia, AIG Europe (UK) Ltd AIG Speciality Claims Australasia Allianz New Zealand Allianz Australia Ltd Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Ando Insurance Group Ltd Antares Managing Agency Ltd Arcadian Risk Capital AXA Climate Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance Canopius Syndicate Chaucer Syndicates Ltd Chubb Insurance Company of Australia Chubb Insurance NZ Cloud Collections Ltd -on behalf of Capricorn Mutual Ltd Club Marine Ltd Crombie Lockwood Delta Insurance Dual NZ FMG Insurance General Reinsurance Corporation ICIB International Transport Intermediaries Lloyds of London Manchester Underwriting Management Ltd Marsh Newline Syndicate 1218 NM Insurance NZI & NZI Marine (IAG) NZ Underwriting Agencies Ltd QBE European Operations QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd QBE Fiji QBE Smartpak RedSky Insurance Rothbury Insurance Brokers SCOR Reinsurance Asia Sedgwick New Zealand Southern Cross Benefits Ltd Star Insurance Ltd Steadfast Group SURA Thomas Miller Tokio Marine & Nichido Vero Insurance (New Zealand) / Suncorp Westfield Specialty Managing Agency (previously Argo) Zurich New Zealand
Work highlights
Representing Vero Insurance (Suncorp Group) in litigation over earthquake damage to Christchurch industrial and commercial buildings.
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.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Philippa Fee; Craig Langstone
Other key lawyers
Virgina Wethey; Cecily Brick; Bradley Alcorn; Melissa Bell