Profile
James brings clarity and rigour to complex commercial disputes.
He acts for businesses, individuals and insurers across contractual, property, construction, shareholder, insolvency, and trust matters, in both the courts and in arbitrations. He is experienced in sophisticated, multi-party litigation but is equally effective in smaller disputes where clients need practical, proportionate advice.
James’ approach is direct. He gives clients a clear view of their position early, develops a strategy to match, and executes. Where a dispute can be resolved efficiently, he will find the path. Where it cannot, he is a compelling advocate in a trial or arbitration forum.
James has more than 20 years’ experience, in New Zealand and Singapore. He is assisted in Chambers by a junior barrister, Isabella Hawkins.
Practice areas
Contractual disputes
James has broad experience in contractual claims, including claims for pre-contractual misrepresentation, contractual breach and termination, across a range of commercial contexts.
Property
James advises and acts in disputes relating to all interests in property, including building defect litigation, vendor and purchaser claims, and actions involving leases, caveats, easements, covenants and cross-leases. He is experienced in applications under the Property Law Act 2007.
Construction
James acts for principals, head contractors, and subcontractors in disputes arising under NZS 3910 and other standard-form contracts. His work includes disputes relating to delay and variation claims, wrongful termination and retention issues. He regularly acts in adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
Shareholder and company disputes
James acts for shareholders, directors and companies in disputes arising from the breakdown of business relationships, including oppression claims under s 174 of the Companies Act and other derivative actions. He regularly acts in litigation alleging breaches of directors’ duties.
Insolvency and liquidation
James acts for businesses, creditors, and directors in insolvency-related disputes. His work includes statutory demands liquidation proceedings, voidable transactions, claims by creditors against directors under s 301 of the Companies Act, and disputes arising in the course of formal insolvency processes.
Trusts
James acts for trustees and beneficiaries in trust disputes, including challenges to trustee decisions, removal applications, and claims involving breaches of fiduciary duty.
Regulatory investigations and proceedings
James acts for clients in civil proceedings, investigations, and prosecutions brought by regulators including the Commerce Commission, the Financial Markets Authority and local government. He is experienced in the strategic aspects of regulatory litigation and in managing parallel civil and regulatory risk.
Professional history
| 2018 – | Barrister, Quay Chambers |
| 2016 – 2018 | Senior Associate, Rice + Co |
| 2015 – 2016 | Associate, Meredith Connell |
| 2012 – 2014 | Regional Legal Counsel, ACE Asia Pacific Services (Singapore) |
| 2007 – 2012 | Associate/Solicitor, Meredith Connell |
| 2005 – 2007 | Solicitor, Russell McVeagh |
Professional memberships
New Zealand Law Society
New Zealand Bar Association
The Law Association
Society of Construction Law (NZ)
Contact James
Quay Chambers is located on the corner of Quay Street and Commerce Street in the Britomart precinct. We are a short walk from Britomart Train Station, Britomart Car Park and Downtown Car Park. There are also pay and display car parks nearby.
Physical Address:
Level 7, 2 Commerce Street, Auckland 1010
Postal Address:
PO Box 106215, Auckland 1143
DX: CP 18023
Telephone:
+64 9 374 1658
Facsimile:
+64 9 377 5071