From Bench to Boardroom

Justice Simon Moore KC’s farewell from the High Court in Auckland earlier this year was meant to mark the end of his distinguished judicial career. But like many good retirement stories, this one came with an unexpected twist. The former High Court judge and long-term Crown Solicitor has joined Tavendale & Partners as ‘director consultant‘, a retirement role at the conclusion of a 44 year career.

He is joining a firm where his son Henry is already a partner having helped set up the Auckland office of the South Island-based firm and spearheading the firm’s sports law practice. Henry Moore has significant experience in sports mediation and ADR work and general sports law practice.

Tavendale & Partners’ official spiel is to have positioned Moore to contribute directly to litigation practice development initiatives and provide support on highly complex client matters. He actually joined Tavendale’s board earlier this year as an independent adviser—now, apparently, he’s moved in, setting up shop next to his flesh and blood.

A Strategic Move

The appointment comes as part of Tavendale & Partners‘ broader expansion of their Auckland offering. The 20 partner firm is Christchurch-based and opened its Auckland office relatively recently with two initial partners.

Simon Moore brings serious gravitas to the firm’s client advisory capabilities.

Rising from law clerk in 1980 to Crown Solicitor, High Court judge, Electoral Commission chair, and all the high‑drama cases you could name, Simon Moore KC isn’t ready to quit quite yet. Exiting stage left clearly wasn’t in the career plan, but working with kith and kin is not a bad semi-retirement gig all the same.