Jim Farmer KC

Doyen, mentor, legend – they all apply to Jim Farmer KC who remains on the List even if there is some deserved slowing of case histories.

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025 ranks Farmer as “Senior Statesperson,” describing him as “widely regarded as one of NZ’s pre-eminent commercial litigators, vastly experienced in superior court litigation not only in NZ but also in Australia and Hong Kong, maintaining an impressively broad practice but particularly well known for expertise in the competition sphere.”

His career includes six years as Russell McVeagh partner (until 1979), ten years at the NSW Bar, and appointment as Queen’s Counsel in NSW (1985) followed by Victoria, ACT, NZ (1986), serving two terms as NZ Bar Association President (1991-1995, 2004-2008).

Despite a serious fall in late 2023 requiring hospitalization, his career spanning five decades with regular Supreme Court appearances (Fonterra v. Commerce Commission, Carter Holt Harvey v. Ministry of Education) and PhD from Cambridge maintains his legendary status, along with occasional ruminations and comments in his blog, including his recent critique of those who overlooked the death of senior litigator, friend and former Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Judge Bill Wilson KC.

His “Senior Statesperson” ranking acknowledges siginficant influence while signaling reduced active practice. At No. 45, Farmer’s placement reflects respect for a career that shaped NZ commercial litigation.