‘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.'
- 'The depth of knowledge on insurance specific issues is first class. The team are responsive, pragmatic and commercial with their advice, all with a deep knowledge of case law and legislation.'
- 'Philippa Fee - her tenure in the market makes her an excellent choice for advice on indemnity issues. Virgina Wethey - excellent on lawyers' complaints and professional negligence claims.'
- 'Fee Langstone is well regarded for its specialist expertise in insurance, litigation, and dispute resolution. What sets the firm apart is its deep industry knowledge and long-standing reputation in the insurance and commercial sectors. Clients value the team’s ability to manage complex, high-stakes matters with precision and confidence.'
- 'Our main point of contact is Bradley Alcorn - he is fantastic to work with.'
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
Work highlights
Representing Vero Insurance (Suncorp Group) in litigation over earthquake damage to Christchurch industrial and commercial buildings.
Advising QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd and its insured, Turoa Logging Limited, in a WorkSafe NZ prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Assisting Chubb Insurance and its insured, Civic Lane Ltd, in an Auckland City Council prosecution under the Resource Management Act 1991.
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