Bell Gully advises its clients on a wide array of disputes, including class actions. The firm regularly appears at every level of the judicial system and is well-versed in arbitration cases. Its expertise includes construction, commercial, insolvency, IP, employment, and public law disputes. The team is led by Sophie East, an expert in class actions and arbitration, and Kirsty Dobbs, a specialist in contract and construction. Within the team, Tim Fitzgerald advises banks, corporates and insolvency practitioners. Jesse Wilson assists clients with regulatory cases, while Rachael Brown specialises in employment law and Māori legal issues. In January 2024, Sam Hiebendaal was promoted to the partnership. In November 2023 and March 2024 respectively, Jenny Stevens and David Friar left the firm to pursue careers at the Independent Bar.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent collaboration with other teams at Bell Gully when specific specialised advice is required.’
‘Very engaging, excellent understanding of the legal issues and complex commercial scenarios, very supportive and available.’
Key clients
- Air New Zealand
- ANZ Bank
Work highlights
- Acting for ANZ Bank New Zealand in the largest class action in New Zealand to date (by number of claimants) in respect of alleged breaches by ANZ of disclosure requirements under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003.
- Defending Genesis Energy in proceedings involving novel claims alleging responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.