Russell McVeagh
Banks, insurers and government agencies turn to Russell McVeagh for assistance with matters ranging from establishing data protection strategies and frameworks across various platforms, to those including data breach management. The team also advises clients on GDPR and regulatory compliance. The unit is additionally handling a growing number of litigation cases concerning injunctions used to protect data. A trio of partners head up the team, being Auckland-based commercial litigator Joe Edwards who has a proven track record handling high-profile privacy, data and confidential information cases; tech specialist Liz Blythe who has longstanding experience advising on privacy and data protection law considerations; and Wellington-based practitioner Mei Fern Johnson who is well-placed to advise on IT outsourcing arrangements. Special counsel Louise Taylor has a focus on tech contracts and operates from the firm’s Auckland office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Liz Blythe is an industry leader with her advice and team. She has an ability to understand an issue very quickly, to provide clear legal advice and tailor it to the issue. She has a strong commercial lens and knows what constraints businesses have.'
- 'Mei Fern Johnson is my main contact at Russell McVeagh and she is excellent to work with.'
- 'In terms of what makes this practice unique, it's the deep understanding the team have of the regulatory landscape and relationships with regulators in this space.'
- 'In terms of stand-out partners, I'd single out Joe Edwards and his team.'
Key clients
- Bremworth and Cavalier Corporation
- Spark
- Auckland International Airport
- Kiwi Property
- Ford
- QIC Private Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for Bremworth and Cavalier Corporation in its High Court proceedings against Pebblemill and Mr Radford in relation to Pebblemill's alleged use of confidential information.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited's New Zealand and Australian metering business.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Joe Edwards, Mei Fern Johnson, Liz Blythe