Simpson Grierson‘s real estate and construction teams stand out as ’approachable and able to explain technical concepts to clients with ease’. The real estate team is led by Greg Allen, who advises listed companies, property developers, retail operators, energy generators, and forestry owners. Nick Wilson focuses on transactions involving local authorities and public bodies, including in relation to infrastructure projects. Tara Wylie specialises in energy, agribusiness, property development, and commercial leasing matters, advising corporates and listed companies on transactions and due diligence. The construction team is led by Michael Weatherall, a specialist in major projects and public-private partnerships. Shanti Frater is a key name for both front-end construction matters and the resolution of construction disputes. Jo-Anne Knight focuses on contentious construction matters, including building defect and structural engineering claims, and represents clients in court, tribunals, adjudications, and arbitrations. Michael Wood, now acting as a consultant, is also a key member of the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Simpson Grierson real estate team have that unicorn mix of depth and breadth of experience, the size of team we need to support some of our big projects, and being a genuine pleasure to work with. They are sharp, practical, know our businesses and right-size their support. They take the time to get to know us, and to let us get to know them.'
- 'They have partners and consultants who can provide quick, top notch technical advice on an obscure point of law in plain language, whilst also having the capacity to support large conveyancing workstreams with a team of incredible legal executives. Special mention to Nick Wilson, Tara Wylie, Michael Wood, Edward Warren and Will Barnes.'
- 'The Simpson Grierson real estate team is approachable and able to explain technical concepts to clients with ease. The team is collegial and great to work with - they are responsive and able to bring an element of calm to difficult or tense negotiations.'
- 'Nicola Peak has been great to work with. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for commercial leasing are unrivalled, and she adds significant value in commercial negotiations.'
- 'Highly personable, professional and knowledgeable. Always at the forefront of knowledge and market intel. All round great to work with.'
- 'Tara Wylie - highly personable, professional and knowledgeable, and always reaches out (unsolicited) with relevant knowledge that might impact or affect us. Sonia Vitas - personable, professional and knowledgeable - great to work with.'
- 'Excellent understanding of their client. Very strong collaboration both within their team and with our team.'
- 'Deep knowledge of the client and its shareholders' aspirations, commercial experience and a genuinely collaborative and innovative approach.'
Key clients
- Auckland Council
- Auckland Transport / Eastern Busway Alliance
- Australian Retirement Trust
- Beachlands South
- BP Oil New Zealand Limited and BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited
- Bunnings Limited
- Event Hospitality
- Farmland Reserve, Inc
- Fletcher Residential Limited / Vivid Living Limited
- Flynn Group
- Gisborne District Council
- Hendrix Genetics
- Heritage Lifecare
- Matariki Forestry Group / Rayonier Inc
- New Zealand Carbon Farming
- Roxy-Pacific
- Porirua City Council
- Scentre Group
- Selwyn District Council
- Tauranga City Council
Work highlights
Advising Rayonier Inc on the sale of Rayonier Canterbury LLC’s shares in MFG for $1.24billion.
Representing AT and the Eastern Busway Alliance in the acquisition of land to enable the development of the Eastern Busway project (a $1.4billion infrastructure project).
Acting as lead legal adviser to Christchurch City Council on its Te Kaha Canterbury Multi-Use Arena Project.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame: Real estate and construction
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: Real estate and construction
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates: Real estate and construction
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Will Barnes
Sonia Vitas
Practice head
Greg Allen; Michael Weatherall
Other key lawyers
Nick Wilson; Tara Wylie; Jo-Anne Knight; Michael Wood; Shanti Frater; Edward Warren; Will Barnes; Nicola Peak; Sonia Vitas