Simpson Grierson acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for its clients, handling day-to-day advisory matters as well as litigation, industrial relations, investigations and health & safety matters. The firm is particularly well-versed in providing employment advice in the banking, education, health and sports sectors. The ’calm and collected’ Rebecca Rendle spearheads the team, advising on collective bargaining, restructuring and holiday pay issues. Phillipa Muir is a seasoned litigator with experience in the Supreme Court. John Rooney specialises in health & safety matters. Bronwyn Heenan is regularly instructed by local and government departments. In January 2024, Rachael Judge was made partner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Available, and awesome strategy advice.’
‘Rebecca Rendle is excellent to work with.’
‘They bring the value of a large team with a variety of different strengths, perspectives and experience levels.’
‘Rebecca Rendle is a very calm and collected person to deal with, she is able to easily handle any scenario including urgent timeframes.'
'Bronwyn Heenan is extremely pragmatic, quick and responsive.’
‘There are a number of advantages for having Simpson Grierson as our main legal support but probably the most important is that they are a one-stop-shop.’
‘Bronwyn Heenan is excellent at communicating and has extensive knowledge in the areas that impact on the business.’
‘Simpson Grierson has an excellent employment team. All of the people together provide comprehensive, sensible advice.’
Key clients
- Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
- University of Auckland
- Ministry of Education
- New Zealand Rugby
- Westpac New Zealand Limited
- Chorus New Zealand Limited
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- The Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha
- FirstCape Group Limited
- Department of Corrections
- PGG Wrightson Limited
- University of Auckland
Work highlights
Acted for Health NZ in urgent proceedings responding to a data breach concerning sensitive, personal and confidential health information.
Represented the University of Auckland in a three week hearing on the Employment Court in November last year, involving novel claims raised by a high-profile employee.
Advising the Ministry of Education on the implications of a large award (almost $1.8 million) made against the Board of Trustees of a Secondary School in relation to breaches of contract and related claims brought against the school by two of its former guidance counsellors, who developed PTSD.
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.
Bronwyn Heenan
John Rooney
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Rebecca Rendle
Practice head
Rebecca Rendle
Other key lawyers
Phillipa Muir; John Rooney; Bronwyn Heenan; Rachael Judge