Exploring Top 10 Most Influential Corporate Lawyers in New Zealand 2023

In the competitive landscape of corporate and commercial law in New Zealand, there are several prominent legal minds who have redefined and continue to set high standards in this sector. They are consistently pushing the boundaries of excellence, offering diligent legal services and robust, strategic advice to their clients on complex commercial transactions. These lawyers exhibit a stunning knack for corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance matters, and equity transactions. Let’s introduce to you these ten exceptional lawyers who have made their invaluable contribution to the corporate and commercial law industry.

Offering extensive local knowledge, international experience, and innovative legal solutions, these lawyers have set a high bar in the legal profession. Working with a wide range of clients, from start-ups to multinational corporations, they assist with navigating the intricate legal landscape of corporate law. Each of them brings their unique approach to handling legal matters, ensuring that their clients receive the best representation possible.

These brilliant lawyers are excellent at what they do, and their dedication to the profession is evident in their achievements and the respect they command in the industry. These legal stalwarts are passionate about the cases they take on and go above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome. Here are the profiles of New Zealand’s most impressive corporate and commercial lawyers.

Greg Horton

Firm: Harmos Horton Lusk
Greg Horton is a renowned figure based in Auckland, noted for his extensive experience in domestic and international public M&A and private equity transactions.

Haydn Wong

Firm: Bell Gully
Haydn Wong is a versatile practitioner based in Auckland, admired for his effective handling of both public M&A and private equity transactions.

Pip England

Firm: Chapman Tripp
Pip England offers valuable experience in handling M&A transactions for both domestic and global clients, prominently working with major players in the property sector.

Andrew Matthews

Firm: Simpson Grierson
Andrew Matthews, based in Auckland, provides advice on a broad range of issues including corporate takeovers and acquisitions, and compliance and governance matters.

David Gould

Firm: Anthony Harper
David Gould, based in Christchurch, serves clients on various transactional mandates such as corporate acquisitions and sales, private equity investments, and equity capital raisings.

Neil Millar

Firm: MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Neil Millar, based in Auckland, operates in a broad corporate and commercial spectrum, particularly assisting private equity clients in their acquisitions.

James Hawes

Firm: Simpson Grierson
James Hawes, based in Auckland, acts for clients on a variety of transactions, including capital raisings, corporate takeovers and M&A deals. He is acknowledged for his ability to advise both on transactional matters and associated regulatory issues.

James Gibson

Firm: Bell Gully
James Gibson, based in Auckland, is a top-tier lawyer especially noted for assisting major corporates and private equity groups in some of New Zealand’s largest corporate transactions.

Joe Windmeyer

Firm: Russell McVeagh
Joe Windmeyer, based in Auckland, is highly respected for his exceptional work in advising clients on M&A and equity capital markets transactions.

Roger Wallis

Firm: Chapman Tripp
Roger Wallis, a distinguished Auckland-based lawyer, is particularly appreciated for his experience in corporate transactions in the insurance and financial services sectors, along with his expertise in capital markets.