Andrew is a senior commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer. He specialises in commercial disputes, corporate and regulatory issues, financial services, insurance, cyber and technology.
Andrew is focused upon solving problems and achieving preferred outcomes. He is experienced in managing complex, high-value disputes and appearing as an advocate in all levels of the New Zealand courts. He also represents clients in mediation.
Andrew began his career with our firm before spending nine years with global law firm Clifford Chance LLP in London, the last three as a Partner. Since his return to New Zealand in 2009, he has been recognised as a leading individual in Chambers Global and Chambers Asia-Pacific and named in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific’s Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution. Clients describe Andrew as “an especially effective trial lawyer,” with one client saying: “Andrew brought to the table his keen intellect and experience; you could not want for a better advocate. His calm, deliberate style and crisp delivery impressed all in the room” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022.
Widely recognised as an accomplished insurance specialist, Andrew has over 25 years’ experience acting for leading insurers and insurance brokers. He is praised for his “brilliant understanding of the insurance markets and contracts” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022. He is a trusted adviser to global broking firm Marsh and also acts for leading insurers.
Andrew is also known for his effective resolution of regulatory proceedings, particularly those involving financial institutions. He regularly advises and represents clients in investigations and proceedings brought by the FMA and the Commerce Commission.
Clients also seek Andrew’s expertise in technology and cyber disputes. He regularly advises IT providers and their customers in major IT project disputes. He is also a specialist in cyber claims and is nominated as an emergency contact in AIG’s cyber insurance policy.
Andrew is the editor-at-large of the firm’s insurance legal industry magazine, Cover to Cover. He regularly publishes articles and presents seminars in association with leading insurance brokers and other industry organisations such as the Institute of Directors.
Career highlights
Regularly representing parties to commercial disputes. Represented investors in a successful claim against a former Las Vegas gaming executive arising from misrepresentations in relation to a winery and vineyard, including obtaining urgent injunctions, succeeding at trial, successfully defending three appeals to the Court of Appeal and final success in an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Regularly acting for suppliers and customers in IT project disputes, including resolving claims by a Government customer against a global IT supplier and the supplier’s related claims against a subcontractor, and defending a $40 million claim against a supplier in another significant Government IT project. Advising parties affected by cyber events.
Representing banks, financial institutions and insurance companies in investigations and proceedings by the Financial Markets Authority under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, including representing ANZ Bank in the first civil penalty proceeding brought by the FMA under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, with an agreed outcome.
Representing Channel Infrastructure (formerly Refining NZ) in claims and issues arising out of major events, including the Refinery to Auckland pipeline leak that disrupted fuel supplies to the Auckland region in 2017 and the successful resolution of claims against a manufacturer and supplier arising from a hydrogen valve failure that shut down major parts of the refinery in 2018.
Successfully representing Synlait in the leading Supreme Court case on the removal of historic land covenants, overturning a decision of the Court of Appeal and defeating a neighbouring landowner’s objection to a $280 million dairy processing factory. The decision has significance for all property developments hindered by historic land covenants.
Long-term trusted adviser to a global insurance broker. Regularly representing parties in insurance disputes, including brokers, insurers and corporate policyholders. Regularly advising upon Warranty & Indemnity insurance claims.
Achievements and recognition
- Recognised, Dispute Resolution, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Insurance, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Band 1 team, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Dispute Resolution, Chambers Global
- Hall of Fame, Dispute resolution, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Leading Individual, Insurance, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Tier 1 team, Dispute Resolution, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Litigation Law, Best Lawyers
- Recognised, Technology Law, Recognised, The Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers
- Recognised, Insurance Law, Recognised, The Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers