Fee Langstone

Partner

Matthew began his career in the insurance and reinsurance before moving to private practice in 2005. He brings a unique understanding of the insurance industry to his work as a civil litigator.  Matthew specialises in the defence of claims against professionals and the resolution of indemnity issues. Throughout his career, he has particularly focused on claims against solicitors, accountants and other professionals.

Matthew has significant court and dispute resolution experience, having represented clients at all levels in the New Zealand court system.  Matthew also has considerable experience with disciplinary complaints and proceedings against professionals.  He has represented clients facing charges in both the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal and the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Disciplinary Tribunal.

Matthew also specialises in the defence of companies and individuals facing prosecution under regulatory provisions, frequently as insureds under a statutory liability policy.

Recent highlights in Matthew’s career include the successful resolution of a high value claim against a firm of valuers as well as the defence of solicitors, architects, engineers and a business brokerage facing allegations of professional negligence and/or the breach of fiduciary duty.  In the past year, he has advised clients on charges laid under the Health & Safety at Act, the Commerce Act, the Resource Management Act and the Fisheries Act.  This includes representing several companies operating in the forestry sector who are currently defending charges under the Resource Management Act following a significant pollution event that received widespread publicity in 2018.

Matthew’s work for insurers includes advising the insurer of a multinational building supplies company on an insurance claim arising from the failure of the insured’s product at multiple construction sites.  Matthew also advises the insurer of multi-national engineering firm with regard to proceedings alleging negligent design of a significant civil infrastructure project where the quantum of the claim exceeds $40 million.

New Zealand Law Society New Zealand Insurance Law Association

LLB