Russell McVeagh

Russell McVeagh has advised banking clients such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Bank New Zealand (BNZ) and Westpac. “They have excellent technical knowledge, great client service in terms of delivery of expectations and thinking of other ways that they could help our business. They were enjoyable to work with,” says a client. John Powell, national practice chair, advised ANZ and a bank syndicate on negotiating a NZ$860 million syndicated facilities agreement for Precinct Properties.

Pip Greenwood and Guy Lethbridge lead the capital markets practice at Russell McVeagh. The firm has been busy advising new Basel III-compliant bank capital raisings in the past 12 months. Greenwood advised Origin Energy on the $993 million block trade of a controlling stake in Contact Energy. Lethbridge advised ANZ in Australia and New Zealand on the banking group’s retail tier 1 securities offer. Tom Hunt and David Raudkivi were promoted to partners. “I would highly recommend Tom as a rising star,” says a peer.

During the past 12 months Russell McVeagh has been busy advising purchasers of large property in addition to the leasing and construction of retail and office developments. “They offer high level strategic advice and have a deep understanding of our business,” says a client. Ed Crook advised Precinct Property on the $442 million Auckland Commercial Bay development. David Butler advised Pinny Farms on the sale of its dairy operations.

During the past 12 months Russell McVeagh has advised clients such as Wells Fargo, Origin Energy and Aramex. “The firm offers excellent service and standard of legal advice,” says a client. “Pip Greenwood, Joe Windmeyer and David Hoare are very good practitioners,” says a peer. “Graeme Quigley is an extremely experienced and trusted adviser,” says a client. “Graeme is thorough, pragmatic, savvy and a great communicator,” adds another client. “I’d recommend Pip for her technical expertise, commercial judgment and easy-going personality,” says a client. “David Raudkivi is competent, prompt and good with follow through,” says a client.

Russell McVeagh’s dispute resolution practice has a strong focus on tax. “They understand our business and tailor their service to our needs,” says a client. “They offer great client service, excellent practical advice as well as technical ability,” says another client. Practice head Sarah Armstrong acted for Trustpower in its claim against the Inland Revenue Commissioner about the tax treatment of feasibility expenditures with the development of wind and hydroelectric projects. Matt Kersey is another notable name. “Matt Kersey listens, understands and knows when to push the point,” says a client.

Headed by Sarah Armstrong, the insurance practice at Russell McVeagh acts for corporate clients on complex claims, and warranty and indemnity insurance relating to M&A transactions. Ed Crook advised Precinct Properties on the insurance placement on a construction project.

Russell McVeagh has a leading tax practice that advises on tax disputes and transactions. Fred Ward is advising Trustpower on a dispute over the treatment of feasibility costs for energy generation projects. Brendan Brown advised the BNZ on the tax aspects of the NZ$550 million subordinated notes issue to institutional and retail investors. “I’d recommend Brendan Brown for his technical knowledge, communication and timeliness of advice,” says a client. “Brendan is very commercial and makes it easy to understand complex matters,” says another client. “Shaun Connolly is a trusted adviser who has a great balance of intelligence, experience and integrity,” says a client.