Oliver Sutton

Senior Associate

Oliver Sutton is a commercial litigator with particular expertise in insolvency, regulatory investigations, multi-party litigation, and complex technology disputes.

He acts for clients across a broad range of industries including infrastructure, energy, financial services, technology, and property. Oliver regularly advises on disputes involving breach of contract, breach of intellectual property, and Body Corporate / property issues. He has a growing practice in insolvency and financial regulatory disputes and is developing a niche in technology, IP, and crypto-related litigation.

Oliver brings a commercial mindset and strategic clarity to every matter, whilst providing a calm and confident presence in difficult situations. He has appeared in the District Court, High Court, and specialist tribunals, and is experienced in arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Clients value Oliver for his responsiveness, clarity, and ability to distil complex legal issues into practical, outcome-focused advice. He is known for managing high-stakes litigation with minimal disruption to business operations and for delivering results that align with commercial objectives.

His approach reflects MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ values – he listens, cares, and delivers with excellence.

Before joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Oliver worked in a barrister’s chambers, where he advised on insolvency, debt recovery and multi-party construction disputes. He has been a regular tutor at Auckland University across a wide range of subjects.

Oliver is a proactive leader within the firm, mentoring junior lawyers through in-house and training programmes. He is a champion of innovation, with a focus on improving legal workflows for cost effectiveness and client service.

He is deeply engaged in thought leadership and monitors emerging litigation trends. He is a contributor to the firm’s Litigation Forecast, and insurance Cover to Cover, articles and podcast series. Oliver is also active in professional organisations including RITANZ and MLAANZ.

He is committed to building authentic relationships, fostering high-performing teams, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. His focus on strategic growth, client engagement, and innovation positions him as a trusted advisor in the firm.

Career highlights

Acting for the plaintiff in High Court proceedings alleging breach of copyright for a software product. This involves a vast number of documents in the discovery phase, and will require the use of novel technology to efficiently progress the review.

A directions application is needed to resolve how to deal with bank accounts identified at the time of liquidation. This has involved working with the liquidators in a tracing exercise and reviewing the history and policy of the governing legislation.

Acting for a defendant in proceedings involving a cryptocurrency scheme. This required working with experts at short notice to prepare the defence.

Acting for interveners in a “case stated” proceeding brought by a regulatory body seeking clarification of a particular legislative section.

Acting for a US-based client to obtain urgent freezing orders and summary judgment relief following a transfer of funds.

Advising on a High Court application to appoint administrators to a Body Corporate. Advice included the obligations of the administrators and the relationship with a proposed Scheme to be lodged under the Unit Titles Act 2010.

Working with overseas purchasers of a business to prepare a warranty claim against multiple parties. This included initial investigations to identify the issues, preparing a claim, and working with experts to quantify the loss.

Acting for multiple parties in a High Court complex debt recovery matter, in an action for breach of contract.

Affiliations
  • Member, Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association New Zealand Incorporated (RITANZ)
  • Member, Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand