Top tier firm bucks trend in Chambers rankings

Top tier firm bucks trend in Chambers rankings

18 January 2017

Chambers Asia-Pacific, a highly regarded UK based legal research directory, has released its 2017 guide ranking top law firms, and again MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ progress towards being the best commercial law firm in New Zealand is highlighted.

While many of the country’s top tier remain stable, MinterEllisonRuddWatts continues to buck the trend showing the greatest improvement in rankings across the board.

"It’s recognition of MinterEllisonRuddWatts strength that we’re the only top tier firm to improve our position, with our Restructuring/Insolvency and Construction teams being awarded Band 1 rankings. At the same time, we have maintained existing Band 1 rankings in Energy and Natural Resources, Investment Funds and Real Estate. We see long established competitors losing ground, showing that the legal market is being shaken up and clients are demanding innovative thinking and commerciality from their lawyers. That plays to our strengths, but frankly, there is no room for complacency," says Lloyd Kavanagh, the firm’s Chair.

Chambers independent researchers listed a further four of the firm’s partners for the first time, and increased the band ranking of six of our previously ranked lawyers.

The firm also has two new Band 1 lawyers, Aaron Lloyd and Richard Wells in the new Sports Law category, and an Associate to Watch - Kristel McMeekin - for Competition and Antitrust.

These results bolster the firm’s other 24 ranked lawyers who all maintained their position.

New rankings

- Steve Gallaugher, Banking and Finance - listed for the first time as up and coming

- Kristel McMeekin, Competition/Antitrust -listed for the first time as an Associate to watch

- Andrew Horne, Dispute Resolution - listed for the first time as Band 4

- Janine Stewart, Construction - listed for the first time as up and coming

- Aaron Lloyd, Sports Law - listed for the first time as Band 1

- Richard Wells, Sports Law - listed for the first time as Band 1

Improved rankings

- Ross Patterson, Competition/Antitrust - listed as Senior Statesman

- Oliver Meech, Competition/Antitrust - Band 3

- Neil Millar, Corporate/Commercial - Band 3

- Stacey Shortall, Dispute Resolution - Band 2

- Gillian Service, Employment - Band 3

- Rachel Devine, Environment - Band 2

Other ranked lawyers

Banking & Finance

- Kate Lane (Band 2)

- Tom Fail (Band 2)

Competition & Antitrust

- Oliver Meech (Band 3)

Corporate/Commercial

- Cathy Quinn (Band 1)

- Silvana Schenone (Band 2)

Dispute Resolution

- Zane Kennedy (Band 2)

- Mark Sandelin (Band 3)

Employment

- Megan Richards (Band 3)

Energy & Natural Resources

- Sarah Sinclair (Band 1)

- Paul Foley (Band 2)

Environment

- Rachel Devine (Band 3)

Intellectual Property

- Christopher Young (Band 2)

Investment Funds

- Lloyd Kavanagh (Band 1)

- Jeremy Muir (Band 2)

Public Law

- Megan Richards (Band 3)

Real Estate

- Andrew Monteith (Band 2)

- Patricia Green (Recognised practitioner)

Restructuring/Insolvency

- Sean Gollin (Band 2)

- Mark Sandelin (Band 3)

- Michael Langdon (Band 3)

Tax

- Andrew Ryan (Band 3)

TMT

- John McCay (Band 2)

- Ross Patterson (Senior Statesman)

- Richard Wells (Recognised Practitioner)

Search the 2017 results and read commentary about the firm and the individuals here.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisors and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington are able to access an international network through the MinterEllison Legal Group, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.

ENDS

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