Possessing ‘a talented versatile team of litigators’, Lane Neave represents a wide range of clients, from major corporations and public bodies to small businesses and individuals. The firm is highly knowledgeable in negligence and liquidation claims. Ben Russell, an insolvency and restructuring expert, leads the team. James Cochrane advises clients on disputes in the fields of banking and finance, insolvency, and insurance. Mike King, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, is experienced in both litigation and arbitration. Rebecca Scott exited the firm in December 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Lane Neave have a talented versatile team of litigators with excellent qualifications and backgrounds. They are insightful, rigorous and committed.’
‘Great South Island based litigation practice. One of the best in Christchurch and the South Island. ’
‘Ben Russell stands out from the crowd providing practical legal advice on civil disputes. He is also a great peer reviewer helping our other advocates to hone their arguments in our larger litigation.’
‘The practice stands out due to its unique blend of expertise, client-centric approach, and innovative solutions.'
‘The individuals possess deep knowledge in their fields and continuously update their skills. Their problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking helps us make quick decisions and we trust their work.’
‘Lane Neave's dispute resolution practice is distinguished by its strategic focus and comprehensive approach to resolving complex disputes.'
'They combine deep legal expertise with a rigorous, results-oriented mindset, ensuring that their clients receive unparalleled advocacy in high-stakes matters.’
‘James Cochrane has a sound understanding of the relevant laws and that enables him to effectively deploy his skills as a specialist litigator to obtain a judicial determination or otherwise resolve matters favourably for his clients.’
Key clients
- PKF Corporate Recovery & Insolvency (Auckland) Limited
- Orion New Zealand Limited
- Interleasing New Zealand Limited
- Synlait Milk Limited
- Westland District Council
- Grant Thornton New Zealand
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Trustees Executors Limited
- Deloitte New Zealand
- BDO New Zealand
- CEAS
- 151 Insurance Limited
- North Ridge Living Limited
- Gerry Rea Partners
- Mackay Goodwin
- Bizcap NZ Limited
Work highlights
- Advising PwC as liquidators of Genetic Developments (NZ) Exports Limited Partnership, a livestock exporter which collapsed in September 2022 with a shortfall to over 50 farmer creditors of $12m.
- Defending Orion Networks in a claim brought by a group of 12 plaintiffs seeking recovery of approximately $4m losses arising from the 2017 Port Hills fires.
- Acting for Grant Thornton as liquidators of Satori Holdings Limited.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ben Russell