Handling the full range of restructuring and insolvency-related matters, clients consider the practice at Russell McVeagh to be ‘at the top of the market in this field in New Zealand’. The team’s workload features cross-border liquidations, receiverships, voluntary administrations, secured creditor enforcement and distressed investments. The practice is noted in particular for its expertise in the real estate and construction, retail, hospitality, financial services and forestry industries. Matthew Kersey leads the practice, which benefits from his ’brilliant commercial mind‘ and expertise in cross-border insolvency. John Powell is experienced in advising banks and corporates on restructuring matters. Wellington-based litigator Nathaniel Walker focuses his practice on cross-border matters. All lawyers are based in Auckland unless stated otherwise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Russell McVeagh's restructuring and insolvency practice is hugely experienced, well resourced and is instructed in most of the major cases in this area. They are at the top of the market in this field in New Zealand.’
‘Matt Kersey is an extraordinary lawyer. A brilliant commercial mind, he understands insolvency and corporate law and the commercial context of any case seemingly effortlessly. He is a go-to for any complex insolvency case. And on top of that an excellent leader and engaging individual who handles his team and clients superbly.’
‘Pragmatic, proactive, expertise and good communication.’
‘Understanding of our requirements.'
Key clients
- KPMG
- BDO
- OCP Asia Pacific
- Calibre Partners
- Meltzer Mason
- ANZ Bank New Zealand
- Qualitas
- McGrathNicol
- The board of directors of the Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Company
- Westpac New Zealand
- First Mortgage Trust
- Olvera Advisers
- Chan Mow & Company
Work highlights
- Advised the board of directors of Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Company on all aspects of the company's significant debt restructuring by way of receivership and voluntary administration.
- Advising ANZ as senior lender to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts on the proposed debt restructuring via voluntary administration.
- Advising Chan Mow & Co on its successful application to remove the liquidator appointed to Progressive Insurance Company, formerly one of the largest insurers in Samoa.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.
Matthew Kersey