Profile
James offers strategic, effective representation in the civil and criminal jurisdictions. He has particular expertise in complex civil litigation, contentious regulatory matters and white-collar offending.
James is assisted in Chambers by a junior barrister, Ben Dominikovich (ben@quaychambers.co.nz).
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. James has a particular focus on contractual, property and construction disputes, but takes instructions in all areas. His recent experience includes:
- Representing construction companies and principals in numerous construction disputes, including under NZS3910
- Advising parties on disputes arising from breach of contract and termination, including termination due to COVID-19
- Acting for both vendors and purchasers in cases involving pre-contractual misrepresentations
- Assisting parties to resolve disputes arising from property developments
- 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 regulatory agencies. This includes advising on investigations, conducting and defending prosecutions in the District Court, and bringing civil proceedings for pecuniary penalties in the High Court. James is an expert at understanding the strategic aspects of regulatory litigation and in engaging with regulators. His recent experience includes:
- Acting for individuals and corporates being investigated and/or prosecuted by the Commerce Commission
- Representing the Commerce Commission in litigation against defendants for alleged breaches of the Commerce Act, Fair Trading Act and Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
- 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
- Auckland District Law Society
- 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