Hesketh Henry is instructed by a broad swathe of clients, including underwriters and insurers in the marine, property, and professional indemnity spaces. The firm is sought after for its wide-ranging advice, from corporate and employment to regulatory and dispute resolution. Practice co-head Helen Macfarlane specialises in construction and property disputes and is experienced in practising in London and New York. Fellow co-head Christina Bryant is well-versed in professional indemnity matters. Stephanie Corban specialises in subrogated recoveries issues. In January 2024, Alan Sherlock stepped back to a consultancy role at the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Advice is well considered and to the point, cutting out the noise of the disputes, a skill that is in short supply.’

  • ‘Helen Mcfarlane is my choice of stand out partner. Has always been available, provides honest feedback on proposed actions and is not hesitant to raise concerns or disagree should she feel the need in her professional capacity.’

  • ‘Hesketh Henry provide a prompt and professional service. Their overall knowledge of our product greatly assists with providing the best advice and outcomes for our company and our customers.’

  • ‘Stephanie Corban acts with integrity at all times and ensures tasks are completed at the highest standard.’

  • 'Charlotte Robertson is excellent at building rapport and guiding our clients through what can be a very stressful investigation and/or prosecution. I am confident every time I engage Charlotte, I know that she will provide the best support to not only our client, but us as the insurer.'

Key clients

  • Suncorp Group New Zealand Ltd
  • Vero Insurance
  • AA Insurance
  • AIG Insurance
  • Chubb Insurance
  • Underwriting Agencies of New Zealand Ltd
  • Charterers P & I Club
  • Dual New Zealand Ltd
  • Ando Insurance
  • Compagnie Française D’Assurance Pour Le Commerce Extérieur
  • AECOM New Zealand Ltd

Work highlights

  • Defending AECOM’s Design JV in litigation concerning Transmission Gully, one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, and seamlessly advising the Design JV on its rights and obligations under two project-specific PI policies.
  • Acting for Vero Insurance in High Court proceedings concerning a significant NZ$18m claim following fire damage to a very large aluminium extrusion plant.
  • Defended a law firm insured in High Court proceedings arising out of advice given to a prominent businessman.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Helen Macfarlane, Christina Bryant

Other key lawyers

Stephanie Corban, Charlotte Robertson