Simpson Grierson has a dedicated restructuring and insolvency practice, integrated within its national banking and finance group. The team combines specialist insolvency litigators and transactional lawyers, allowing close collaboration across disciplines. Co-lead James Caird is a litigator who appears in complex restructurings and insolvencies. Fellow co-lead Josh Cairns focuses on corporate restructuring, debt workouts, and insolvency assignments. Senior litigator Ben Upton further supports the practice with expertise in banking, asset recovery, and insolvency disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team have a strong diverse partner offering in the business restructuring space, nothing especially unique or special – just good at what they do.’
‘I have enjoyed working with Josh Cairns, Steve Flynn and Nick Chapman. All have excellent knowledge, are easily approachable and provide concise and clear advice.’
‘James Caird – hell of a lawyer. Ben Upton – very smart and astute.’
Key clients
- Arena Investors
- ASB Bank
- Bank of New Zealand
- BDO
- Calibre Partners
- Deloitte
- Grant Thornton
- Heartland Bank
- KPMG
- McGrathNicol
- PwC
- Westpac
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lucy Harrison
Practice head
Josh Cairns; James Caird
Other key lawyers
Ben Upton