The team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is noted for its prowess in employee relations, health and safety, industrial laws and employee privacy, among other matters. The practice is co-led by Gillian Service, an Auckland-based expert in industries such as transport, oil and gas, retail and financial services, alongside Megan Richards who works from Wellington and is a key port of call for government departments and crown entities. The Auckland office is also home to June Hardacre, a go-to for banks and investment firms, as well as special counsel Emma Warden who acts on both contentious and non-contentious mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The employment team are well versed in all employment and health and safety matters, from board presentations to one-on-one advice at management level.’
‘Gillian Service and June Hardacre provide an excellent service. Always available and get back in touch shortly after.’
‘I cannot rate Gillian Service more highly. She offers measured, pragmatic and commercial advice, and provides her clients with excellent support and is engaging.’
‘The team is approachable and responsive to urgent matters. They develop a respectful and collegial working relationship.’
Key clients
- Uber
- Warner Brothers Discovery Inc
- Auckland District Health Board
- IBM
- Johnson & Johnson
- Fonterra Co-Operative Group
- IAG New Zealand Limited
- Aon Insurance
- Colliers International
- The Warehouse Group
Work highlights
- Advised Raiser New Zealand Limited (Uber) in its litigation with four Uber drivers, in their application to be recognised as employees.
- Advised Electrix to provide strategic guidance and support on employee conduct issues.
- Advise Metlifecare’s executive leadership and human resources teams on ongoing day-to-day employment, industrial relations, and crisis management advice. Recently, the team assisted Metlifecare with the acquisition of six retirement villages across New Zealand’s North Island.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
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MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Partner, Head of Employment (Auckland) and Co-head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution
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.
Gillian Service, Megan Richards