Banking & Finance
Simpson Grierson is known for its acquisition and real estate finance expertise. Andrew Harkness advised Archer Capital and Minerva Finance on the acquisition finance for the establishment of Aspire2, a private vocational education provider. “They have a commercial approach to resolving problems; they are pre-emptive and timely,” says a client. “Andrew Harkness and Stuart Evans are professional and have strong legal knowledge,” adds a client. “Andrew is able to explain and understand complex transactions,” says another client.
Capital Markets
Simpson Grierson’s practice head Michael Pollard and Andrew Matthews advised lead manager Macquarie Capital on a Contact Energy block trade. Pollard and Matthews advised Visa and vendor shareholders in the NZ$108 million block trade of the company’s shares. “Michael has good knowledge of New Zealand’s capital markets and technical legal knowledge,” says a client.
Competition & Antitrust
Simpson Grierson has a reputable competition and antitrust practice that has advised clients such as Westpac, Novartis and DHL. James Craig is advising LJ Hooker on Commerce Commission proceedings against alleged price fixing by four real estate companies.
Construction & Real Estate
Simpson Grierson’s construction and real estate group advises on property acquisition, development, leasing, financing and dispute resolution. “The quality of the advice and service is top notch, the staff are extremely responsive and a pleasure to deal with,” says a client. Michael Wood advised Auckland Transport on the Central rail link, specifically on issues involving land and property acquisition and compensation.
Corporate/M&A
Michael Pollard heads the corporate and M&A team at Simpson Grierson. “Michael Pollard is the best lawyer in New Zealand,” says a client. He acted for Graymont in its purchase of McDonald’s Lime and Taylor’s Lime. Andrew Matthews and Simon Vannini are also notable partners. “Andrew is a strong communicator and has great attention to detail,” says a client. “Simon offers excellent advice and succinct delivery,” says a client.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Jania Baigent leads the dispute resolution practice at Simpson Grierson. The team has advised clients such as BP, Bayer, PwC and Christchurch City Council. “We chose them for their expert knowledge in local government and they absolutely lived up to their reputation,” says a client. “Jania Baigent is commercial, personable and experienced,” says a client. “John Shackleton has good legal knowledge and the ability to put a strong case in court,” says a client. “Tim Stephens and Sarah Fairbrother are excellent technical lawyers with the unique ability to communicate difficult issues and complex concepts in a straightforward and usable way,” says a client.
Energy & Natural Resources
Headed by Dave Trueman, Simpson Grierson’s energy and natural resources practice has advised clients such as Transpower, BP and Mighty River Power. Trueman and James Winchester advised Chatham Rock Phosphate in the application for a marine consent for its offshore phosphate mining operation.
Intellectual Property
Simpson Grierson is a commercial law firm whose IP practice is led by Earl Gray and Richard Watts. The firm’s notable clients include True Religion, Google, Bayer and Mars. Watts advised The a2 Milk Company on its international licensing strategy. Gray advised Jaguar Land Rover in High Court proceedings against Beacham for trade mark infringement, passing off, copyright infringement and breaches of the Fair Trading Act related to advertising and promotion of parallel imports of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.
Investment Funds
Michael Pollard leads the investment funds practice at Simpson Grierson. The firm has advised clients such as Westpac, New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF), ASB and Fidelity Life Insurance. Simon Vannini provided venture capital funds advice to NZVIF.
IT, Telco & Media
Led by Michael Sage and Karen Ngan, Simpson Grierson’s TMT practice is well known for its expertise in outsourcing and services arrangements, entertainment and digital media law. Jania Baigent advised Enable Service on an IT contract dispute.
Labour & Employment
Employers engage Simpson Grierson’s labour and employment practice, led by Phillipa Muir, to advise on industrial action, investigations and strategic commercial matters. In the past year the team launched a health and safety advisory service to meet increased client demand. Clients include University of Auckland, Auckland District Health Board and New Zealand Police. Samantha Turner is another partner to note. “Samantha is able to properly assess the situation and offer sound legal options,” says a client.
Private Equity
At Simpson Grierson, James Hawkes, Michael Pollard and Andrew Harkness advised Champ Ventures on its NZ$70 million acquisition of a majority stake in outdoors brand Macpac Group. The trio also advised Archer Capital on the acquisition of Aspire2 Group.
Restructuring & Insolvency
At Simpson Grierson, Kevin Jaffe and Peter Eady advised Solid Energy, New Zealand’s state-owned coal mining company, on its restructure through voluntary administration. Michael Robinson is another name to note. “Michael is excellent on sophisticated contentious matters,” says a peer.
Taxation
Stuart Hutchinson leads the tax practice at Simpson Grierson. Clients include Auckland Council, BP Oil and Macquarie Capital. “They have provided a thorough and complete analysis of the complex tax and GST issues our business faces,” says a client. Barney Cumberland advised Macquarie Capital on the sale of Origin Energy’s majority shareholding in Contact Energy. “Barney has good technical knowledge,” says a client.
