LawFuel Power List 2025
No. 39
Appointed KC in 2025, Ladd joined Shortland Chambers in 2021 from Bell Gully senior partnership (admitted 1995, Chicago LLM 2000). His broad regulatory/commercial litigation practice focuses on competition law, financial regulation (CCCFA, Financial Markets Conduct Act), insurance law, construction disputes, with 25+ years appearing before all courts and in arbitrations.
Major cases include defending Godfrey Hirst against Commerce Commission appeals on merger approvals, acting for Air NZ in the Qantas alliance application appeal, and defending the Office Max/Staples acquisition. Chambers Global describes him as maintaining “an impressive disputes practice, embracing both litigation and ADR disciplines across aviation, construction, energy, insurance sectors.”
His 2025 KC appointment from NZ’s premier commercial set, combined with competition law expertise during Commerce Act reform wave, positions him as a rising senior silk. At No. 39, Ladd represents new silk talent at Shortland solidifying the chambers’ dominance.
