The ‘very practical and responsive’ practice at Minter Ellison regularly acts for leading banks and insolvency practitioners. The practice has standout expertise in the agribusiness sector, specifically in farm debt mediation, where it regularly acts for major domestic banks. Auckland-based partners Sean Gollin and Michael Langdon jointly lead the practice: Gollin has expertise in solvent and insolvent restructurings, selling distressed debt and securities, security enforcement, and recovery strategies; and Langdon frequently advises on directors’ duties and security reviews. In the Wellington team, Richard Gordon advises the main trading banks, and Charlotte Carey is a name to note at the senior associate level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A strong team with Sean at the head. Very practical and responsive.’
‘Sean is a leader in the field and very hands on.’
‘Level of knowledge, advice, soft skills and preparation for client engagements all excellent.’
‘Work with Richard Gordon and Charlotte Carey, they work well as a team, ensure good delivery to us.’
'Great range of lawyers and experts in so many fields so always have the ability to have an industry expert on your side.'
'Sean Gollin is calm and assured in the advice and service you get. Great when in a stressful situations. Richard Gordon for his no-nonsense and calm manor for quality advice.'

Key clients

ANZ
ASB
BNZ
Westpac
Rabobank
HSBC
PwC
Deloitte
KPMG
BDO
KordaMentha
McGrathNicol
Grant Thornton
Treasury New Zealand
LPF Group

Work highlights

Acted for Westpac in obtaining urgent freezing orders in the New Zealand High Court against Iugis in relation to NZD42.8m that Westpac funded as a result of an alleged forgery scheme.
Acting for liquidators BDO in proceedings brought against directors of Mainzeal and two related companies controlled by Mainzeal Group’s principal.
Acting for BNZ in a longstanding multimillion-dollar debt recovery matter involving numerous entities owned or controlled by a prominent businessman and UK resident.

Lawyers

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