Last year – 27 Robert Fisher QC slips down the List as a result of a less active mediation and arbitration role, but remains a power figure within the profession for his expertise and experience. His comments regarding New Zealand’s position in shutting out COVID-19 saw a raised profile as he warned the government that
New Entrant – Chief Executive partner at Chapman Tripp makes Pip England a new entrant to the List. The M&A, property and corporate lawyer took the reigns at the leading firm last September, described as someone who ‘lives and breathes’ the firm’s values. Well regarded professionally and personally, he is intent on developing Chapman Tripp’s
SFO Successes Julie Read has overseen a number of successes and a generally busy year for the SFO, including some heavily-charged politically sensitive charges. Among the most recent have been one of the potentially largest-ever fraud cases in New Zealand involving Christchurch economist Kelly Tonkin and investments made into his Cayman Island-based investment fund. However
It’s been a busy year for Deborah Chambers QC who continues to be at the forefront of relationship law and trust issues and front footing the law through both her work in the Courts and at seminars and other public pronouncements relating to those undergoing property splits. She advocated for broadening the definition of “property”
As with fellow Power List member Pip Greenwood, Cathy Quinn provides an example of successful lawyers who have morphed into roles as professional directors, although unlike her colleague she retains a role with her firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, as Consultant. A former Hawkes Bay girl, she holds a number of governance roles serving as a non-executive director
Former Chapman Tripp partner Daniel Kalderimis had already established himself as one of the country’s leading complex litigation and disputes operators, but his role has been further cemented with his move to the bar. Practising from both Auckland and Wellington, as well as having a position with London’s Twenty Essex Chambers (via their Singapore Chambers)
New Entrant – Setareh Stienstra comes into the List as a new entrant and building upon her substantial public law involvement. A barrister at Kate Sheppard Chambers she is recognised as a highly effective operator in the public law arena. Sitting as an independent hearings commissioner and is endorsed to sit as a chairperson she
She may be settling in at the bottom of the List, but Fiona Kidd-Guy is top of the list for many seeking her services as a successful criminal lawyer and mover-and-shaker from Southland. The first Invercargill-based QC to be appointed since early last century she moved south from Auckland in 2011 where she joined AWS
Last year 39 – A variety of profile criminal cases and appeals, including Kim Dotcom’s ongoing fight for freedom, has kept Ron Mansfield as a List member. Regularly appearing in high profile criminal cases like appearing for the ‘media personality’ in the Comanchero Motorcycle Gang bust, ‘the “designer drug” Operation Arc case and recently acting
New Entrant We have previously identified Davey Salmon as one of the up-and-coming heavy hitting barristers and his high profile rise has cemented his role in the Power List, particularly given his popularity with major clients and the Bench. Destined to be Silk this year, he served his time as litigation partner at Lee Salmon
