Hannah Jaques

Senior Associate Pouarataki Pāhake

Hannah specialises in commercial litigation, with expertise in insurance, banking and financial, and contractual disputes.

Hannah is experienced in acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in high-value, complex litigation in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and in arbitration. She regularly settles cases in mediation. Hannah’s practice also encompasses the provision of strategic legal advice, including in relation to regulatory matters and commercial contracts.

With significant experience in insurance law, Hannah acts for insurers, brokers and insureds (both independently and on instruction from insurers). She advises on and acts in disputes over material damage and business interruption claims, professional indemnity, marine insurance and carriers’ liability insurance among others. She also acts for financial institutions in debt recovery and enforcement matters.

Hannah also has an interest in defamation and has appeared before both the High Court and Court of Appeal in defamation proceedings. She frequently works with barristers based in New Zealand and overseas.

Hannah brings enthusiasm and genuine interest in both the legal and practical aspects of cases and advice. She is particularly adept at building strong relationships with clients, providing additional support and guidance throughout the often complicated litigation lifecycle. Finding pragmatic, commercial solutions to clients’ issues is key to her practice.

Career highlights

Acting for a major insurance company in arbitral proceedings brought against it by its former client, which is claiming over $288 million.

Advising and acting for a major bank in a long-standing multi-million-dollar debt recovery matter involving a number of entities and appeals to the Court of Appeal on interlocutory matters.

Advising a major bank on its consumer and business terms and conditions and fees with a regulatory focus.

Acting for a large New Zealand insurer in a complex claim regarding a group life policy. The claim raised important issues of policy interpretation and employers’ and brokers’ duties, attracting significant media attention.

Acting for a New Zealand insurance broker in defending a fourth party claim brought against it by a real estate agency. The claim raises numerous procedural issues given the proliferation of parties.

Acting alongside a Vanuatu based counsel to defend claims of significant property damage as a result of a severe natural disaster. The case involves complex facts and raises novel insurance points, including points arising under Vanuatu legislation.

Frequently advising a major publisher regarding defamation and privacy implications of proposed content.

Advising a New Zealand insurance broker on a COVID-19 related claim dispute involving complex causation issues.

Achievements and recognition
  • Rising Star, NZ Lawyer, 2024
  • Tier 1 team, Dispute Resolution, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific