Profile
James delivers strategic and effective representation. He has particular expertise in complex civil litigation, contentious regulatory matters and white-collar offending.
James is assisted in Chambers by a junior barrister.
Civil and commercial litigation
James conducts civil and commercial litigation for and against businesses, individuals, government agencies, and local government. His focus is on resolving disputes efficiently, but, if that is not possible, he is a compelling advocate for his clients at trial or arbitration. James has a particular focus on contractual, property, construction and insolvency disputes, but takes instructions in all areas. His recent experience includes:
- Advising parties on disputes arising from breach of commercial contracts and termination
- Bringing and defending claims against directors, including following liquidation
- Acting for both vendors and purchasers in cases involving pre-contractual misrepresentations
- Representing construction companies and principals in construction disputes, including under NZS3910
- Advising and acting for parties regarding caveats, easements, covenants and other property-related disputes
Regulatory investigations and proceedings
James is experienced in dealing with many different Governmental agencies. This includes acting for clients in civil proceedings, investigations, and prosecutions brought by regulators. James is an expert at understanding the strategic aspects of regulatory litigation and in achieving the best outcome for his clients. His recent experience includes:
- Acting for individuals and corporates being investigated and/or prosecuted by the Commerce Commission
- Acting for professional advisors and businesses in response to regulatory action taken by the Financial Markets Authority
- Being appointed by the Court to act as Standby Counsel for defendants charged with regulatory offences
- Representing defendants facing prosecution under the Resource Management Act and Building Act
White-collar offending
For more than seven years, James prosecuted serious crime on behalf of the Crown, for offending up to and including murder. He regularly represents clients who are subject to investigation and/or prosecution by the Serious Fraud Office and the New Zealand Police for dishonesty offending.
This experience, combined with his expertise in complex civil and regulatory litigation, means that James' skill set is particularly well suited to proceedings alleging white-collar offending.
Practice areas
- Civil and commercial litigation
- Regulatory investigations and proceedings
- White-collar offending
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