Overview
Our litigation and dispute resolution team is experienced and up-to-date with developments in this topical and highly specialist area.
We have experience in representing clients in class action proceedings. We are currently acting for Southern Response Earthquake Services in defending a class action by claimants who have settled their insurance claims and wish to revisit those settlements. This proceeding involves consideration of the novel question of whether an opt-in or opt-out model is to be favoured in New Zealand.
We are familiar with the procedural landscape of class actions and litigation funding in New Zealand and the developing jurisprudence in this country. We also have an in depth understanding of equivalent procedures in countries around the world.
We are taking a keen interest in the recent Rules Committee and Law Commission papers in this area and will continue to follow developments with interest.
Experience
Work highlights
Acting on a substantial class action against an insurer
(Ross v Southern Response Earthquake Services Limited) which seeks to be the first 'opt-out' class action litigation in New Zealand
Acting for a major off-shore litigation funder
in defending an application for costs
Advising on prospective class action proceedings
and litigation funding arrangements
Our team
Kelly Paterson
Partner, Christchurch
Kelly specialises in commercial litigation. She advises on a wide range of commercial litigation issues, including contract disputes…
- DDI +64 3 371 3547
- M +64 21 891 028
Seb Bisley
Partner, Wellington
Seb specialises in advocacy and litigation, including arbitration and mediation.…
- DDI +64 4 462 0839
- M +64 21 844 428
Susan Rowe
Partner, Christchurch
Susan specialises in litigation, local government, insurance, industrial relations and health and safety. Susan currently advises…
- DDI +64 3 371 3517
- M +64 27 537 7784
Willie Palmer
Partner, Christchurch
Willie specialises in commercial litigation including construction, insurance and insolvency law. He has broad experience in…
- DDI +64 3 371 3502
- M +64 21 377 961