MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ labour and employment team offers a comprehensive service to clients across key sectors including manufacturing, energy, finance, and mining. The practice is jointly led by Megan Evans in Wellington and Gillian Service in Auckland. The team regularly advises on a broad spectrum of matters, from workplace investigations and enforceable undertakings to complex litigation, drawing on its health and safety expertise to support clients at both operational and boardroom level. Richards is known for her work in employment and public law, with a strong track record advising government departments and Crown entities. Service brings deep expertise in industrial relations, particularly in collective bargaining and union negotiations. Also noted is June Hardacre, who advises on the intersection of employment law with data protection, privacy, and other IP-related issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is totally client-focused and consistently centres its approach on customer needs.’
- ‘Megan Evans has deep knowledge, strong skills, and extensive experience. Her ability to contextualise advice within our business needs is exceptional.’
- ‘Excellent employment relations advice was provided by Gillian and June from the Minters team.’
Key clients
- Warner Brothers Discovery Inc
- Linfox Logistics (NZ) Limited
- Cotton On
- IBM
- Fonterra
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand
- Qantas Group
- Aon Insurance
- Colliers International
- The Warehouse Group
Work highlights
Acting for the Chief Ombudsman, an independent Officer of Parliament appointed to investigate complaints about public sector agencies, including providing practical and legal advice on employment law within the unique statutory framework of the Ombudsmen Act 1975.
Acting for Aon in relation to a dispute involving the enforcement of post-employment restraints, including representing Aon in proceedings before the Employment Relations Authority, where two former employees challenged the enforceability of its restraints of trade.
Provided support for Rabobank on regulatory and employment-law matters, including implementing a new policy approach for claims management in New Zealand. Advised on whistleblowing processes, conduct and culture matters, remuneration and incentive arrangements, and managed various disputes, including urgent investigations.
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.
June Hardacre
Practice head
Megan Evans; Gillian Service
Other key lawyers
June Hardacre