Tompkins Wake is well positioned to advise on workplace disputes, regulatory compliance, and large-scale restructurings. The practice is a key port of call for clients across a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, local government, and financial services. Daniel Erickson leads the team and is particularly experienced in conducting workplace investigations into bullying, harassment, and serious misconduct. Mark Hammond is highlighted for his litigation expertise, with a focus on complex industrial relations disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is proactive, client-focused, and highly responsive. They communicate clearly, provide practical solutions, and consistently deliver advice that balances legal accuracy with operational reality.’
- ‘Tompkins Wake provides tailored, well-considered advice across health and safety and employment law matters, from individual issues to broader organisational responsibilities. They focus on practical, realistic solutions rather than process-heavy approaches.’
- ‘Daniel Erickson is knowledgeable, personable, and strategic. He breaks down complex legal issues, provides practical guidance, and leads a strong, effective team.’
- ‘Daniel Erickson offers pragmatic, balanced advice that is legally sound and operationally realistic. He asks the right questions and helps weigh risks without overcomplicating matters.’
- ‘Daniel Erickson is highly efficient, effective as a negotiator, and a persuasive communicator.’
Key clients
- CC Group
- Cotton On Group
- Flight Centre (NZ) Limited
- Genera Limited
- GPC Asia Pacific Limited
- Hall’s Group Limited
- Hamilton City Council
- Open Country Dairy Limited
- Rotorua Lakes Council
- Samsung Electronics New Zealand Limited
- Waste Management NZ Limited
Work highlights
Advised NCR on employment and immigration matters arising from its global corporate split, including employee transfers, visa implications, and redundancy processes, in a complex multi-entity restructure managed across jurisdictions.
Advised Wend NZ on the employment law aspects of its acquisition of the Wendy’s fast-food chain in New Zealand, including employee transfer obligations, union entitlements, and integration of employment terms for over 500 staff.
Successfully defended Rotorua Lakes Council against a Worksafe prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, following a serious geothermal incident, with the charge dismissed after a section 147 application.
Practice head
Daniel Erickson
Other key lawyers
Mark Hammond