DLA Piper New Zealand‘s construction and real estate practice ’distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, client-centric service, and a forward-thinking approach’. The construction team is recognised for delivering strategic advice across sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, local government, and retail. Led by Mark Williamson, a front-end construction specialist with over 2o years’ experience, the team advises on procurement, project delivery, and complex infrastructure developments. Nick Byrnes plays a key role in front-end advisory work for domestic and international clients, while Rob Macredie joined as a partner from Simpson Grierson in early 2025, bringing notable expertise in the energy sector. The firm’s real estate practice, headed by senior partner Justin March, routinely works on high-value acquisitions, disposals, large-scale developments and portfolio management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This practice distinguishes itself through a combination of deep expertise, client-centric service, and a forward-thinking approach.'
- 'I have found the DLA Piper real estate team to offer a very effective mix of technical expertise and commercial judgement. They are able to capture all key issues accurately and quickly, but can put their comments in context, and offer solutions and/or support a decision not to pursue particular points in a way that I think is very sensible.'
Key clients
- Aquila Capital
- Auckland Council
Work highlights
Advising Foodstuffs North Island Limited on its real estate needs, including the acquisition of new sites, development of strategic real estate for supermarkets, and the management of supermarkets under franchise and lease arrangements with a cumulative portfolio value of approximately NZD302 million.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Justin March; Mark Williamson
Other key lawyers
Nick Byrnes; Rob Macredie; Sundaresh Thangavelu; Joy Campbell