Who we are
Buddle Findlay is one of New Zealand’s leading commercial law firms, with offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Our experienced partnership brings energy and enthusiasm to New Zealand’s legal market. We are known for our strong focus on collaboration, our strategic thinking and our commitment to building enduring client relationships. A practical, commercially grounded approach allows us to provide balanced advice that goes beyond the legal question and addresses the broader business context.
Working with us
We are committed to helping clients achieve their strategic objectives by providing tailored, commercially focused legal advice. We stay connected with our clients and operate on collaborative-based principles. We are dedicated to promoting best practice, technical excellence and commercial insight across every aspect of our business.
Relationships first
Relationships first
Exceptional people
We bring our collaborative culture and exceptional people to your work
Successful outcomes
We support you to achieve the outcomes that matter to your business
Commercial advice
We deliver commercial, pragmatic and quality legal advice
Responsive service
We are responsive, accessible and easy to work with
Our strengths
We place great importance on teamwork, initiative and integrity. Operating in a highly competitive environment, we have built relationships with some of New Zealand’s most significant organisations: national and multi-national corporations, private equity and venture capital funds, banks and financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, government departments, and local and statutory authorities. We have strong links with law firms in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia, and offer comprehensive commercial legal services across a full range of corporate and commercial matters. We operate nationally from New Zealand’s three major commercial centres.
Our history
Buddle Findlay has been providing legal services for over 130 years. The firm represents the 1982 merger of Wellington firms Buddle Anderson Kent and Co (founded 1895 as Buller and Anderson) and Findlay Hoggard Richmond and Co (founded 1899 as Findlay Dalziell and Co). An Auckland office was established in 1986 and strengthened through mergers with Malloy Moody and Greville and the commercial department of Holmden Horrocks and Co. A Christchurch office was added by merging with Brookman Stock in 1989. Today, Buddle Findlay employs approximately 344 people and is ranked among New Zealand’s top commercial law firms by the leading international legal directories.
Governance
Buddle Findlay’s Board of Management comprises six representatives elected annually by partners: a National Chair and partner representatives from each of our three offices. The Board develops strategies and goals for the firm’s business and monitors achievement against those goals.
Board of management:
Sherridan Cook
National Chair
Paul Farrugia
Auckland Chair
Charlotte von Dadelszen
Wellington Chair
Jan Etwell
Christchurch Chair
Sarah McEwan
Auckland Board Member
Amy Ryburn
Wellington Board Member
Senior leadership team
Philip Maitland, CE, is responsible to the Board of Management for all aspects of the firm's business management and operations. The senior leadership and the management team are composed of highly experienced and dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our firm. Together, they guide our strategic vision, uphold our commitment to excellence, and ensure that the firm continues to provide exceptional service to our clients.
Senior leadership team:
Philip Maitland
Chief Executive, senior leadership team
Melanie Christie
Director of Operations, senior leadership team
Rob Campbell
Chief Financial Officer, senior leadership team
Olwin Kleve
Director, Marketing, senior leadership team
Lucy Ryan
Director, People and Culture, senior leadership team
Debbie Chote
Executive Assistant
Terms of Engagement and Information for Clients
Our standard terms of engagement and the information we are required to provide to you under the New Zealand Law Society’s rules
New Zealand Law Society Rules of Conduct and Client Care
The professional conduct rules that govern how we work with you.
Responsible AI Principles
How Buddle Findlay uses artificial intelligence responsibly in delivering legal services
Tō Tātou Tiakitanga | Ours to care for all
Tō Tātou Tiakitanga brings together our contribution within the areas of diversity and inclusion (D&I), Hikitia (cultural capabilities), Te Hapori (community) and Te Taiao (environment and sustainability).
Within the report, we provide information on the various causes that we support and highlight key Buddle Findlay initiatives in each of these areas. To find out more download our Tō Tātou Tiakitanga report.
Te Hapori | Our Community
Te Hapori guides Buddle Findlay’s community contribution, focusing on six priorities: reducing inequality, children and rangatahi wellbeing, Māori wellbeing, mental health, access to justice, and disability support. Learn more in our Tō Tātou Tiakitanga report.
Hikitia | Cultural capabilities
Buddle Findlay’s updated Hikitia strategy uplifts capability in Te Ao Māori, guided by kotahitanga, manaakitanga, hononga, and mātauranga, fostering unity, kindness, connections, and knowledge to achieve our goals.
Te Taiao | Environment and sustainability
Buddle Findlay’s Te Taiao committee, with local subcommittees, unites passionate volunteers firm‑wide to lead environmental action. We aim to reduce our impact by engaging on emissions, addressing environmental issues, and integrating sustainability into all business practices.
To find out more about our Te Taiao initiatives download our Tō Tātou Tiakitanga report.
Tō Tātou Tiakitanga
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, cultural capability, community and the environment. Everything we do, together.
Tō Tātou Tiakitanga | Ours to care for allOur community | Te Hapori
Our community. Pro bono work, the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation, the Halberg Foundation and our community partnerships.
Community | Te Hapori