20 Law Firm Partners in New Zealand Worth Knowing

Last updated: 11 August 2026

New Zealand’s legal sector is broad, specialist and closely connected to the organisations that shape the country’s economy and communities. This list introduces 20 current law firm partners and partnership leaders whose public profiles show work across corporate advice, property, infrastructure, technology, employment, environment, disputes and Māori legal matters.

The people below were selected because current first-party firm pages identify them in a partnership role and provide enough public context to explain their scope of work. They come from national firms and major practices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other New Zealand centres. The list is designed for recognition and orientation, with no attempt to compare professional quality.

Why this matters

A law firm partner is often balancing technical judgement with relationships, governance, risk and the long arc of a client’s organisation. The title can look similar across firms, but the underlying work varies dramatically. One partner may be guiding a major construction project, while another is advising on workplace safety, Māori land, a capital raising or a complex dispute.

For anyone looking to understand the New Zealand legal market, this breadth is useful. It shows why a good introduction starts with the problem a client needs to solve, the sector involved and the kind of relationship required. It also shows why legal leadership is not just about individual expertise. It is about building trust around difficult decisions.

1. Te Aopare Dewes

Hoa Rangapū (Partner), Chapman Tripp

Te Aopare Dewes is Hoa Rangapū (Partner) at Chapman Tripp, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Māori business, corporate and commercial law, governance, iwi and hapū matters, Māori land. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

She leads Te Waka Ture, Chapman Tripp’s Māori legal group. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

2. Rachel Dunne

Partner, Chapman Tripp

Rachel Dunne is Partner at Chapman Tripp, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Corporate law and equity capital markets. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

She is a current member of both the New Zealand Takeovers Panel and the New Zealand Markets Disciplinary Tribunal. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

3. Mathew Brown

Partner, Bell Gully

Mathew Brown is Partner at Bell Gully, based in Wellington. The public profile places their work in Real estate, construction, infrastructure, public sector and housing projects. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

His profile highlights advice on significant development and construction projects. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

4. Laura Littlewood

Partner, Bell Gully

Laura Littlewood is Partner at Bell Gully, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Digital, technology, intellectual property, data, privacy, cyber security and e-commerce. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

Her work focuses on helping clients operate through complex and changing regulatory frameworks. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

5. Hannah Wilson

Partner, Russell McVeagh

Hannah Wilson is Partner at Russell McVeagh, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and commercial arrangements. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

Her practice covers both domestic and cross-border corporate advisory work. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

6. David Butler

Partner, Russell McVeagh

David Butler is Partner at Russell McVeagh, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Real estate, construction, property development and overseas investment. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He has more than 20 years of experience working on complex property and development matters. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

7. Nick Wilson

Leading Partner, Simpson Grierson

Nick Wilson is Leading Partner at Simpson Grierson, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Commercial real estate, infrastructure and local government. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He received Crown Property accreditation in 2025 and has worked on severe weather response matters. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

8. Sarah Scott

Leading Partner, Simpson Grierson

Sarah Scott is Leading Partner at Simpson Grierson, based in Christchurch. The public profile places their work in Planning, environment and resource management in the South Island. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

She has been an expert on Fast-track consenting since 2024. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

9. Janine Stewart

Chair of the partnership and Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Janine Stewart is Chair of the partnership and Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, based in New Zealand. The public profile places their work in Construction, property and projects disputes. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

Her public profile also positions her as an industry commentator. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

10. Mark Forman

Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Mark Forman is Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, based in New Zealand. The public profile places their work in Mergers and acquisitions, private equity and overseas investment. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He was recognised as New Zealand Deal Maker of the Year at the Australasian Law Awards in 2024. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

11. Alice Balme

Partner, Wynn Williams

Alice Balme is Partner at Wynn Williams, based in Christchurch. The public profile places their work in Environment, planning and local government. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

Her firm profile describes her as a leading local government lawyer. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

12. Ash Hill

Managing Partner, Wynn Williams

Ash Hill is Managing Partner at Wynn Williams, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and fund formations. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

His public profile records recognition from both Legal 500 and Chambers. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

13. Andrew Comer

Partner, Lane Neave

Andrew Comer is Partner at Lane Neave, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, financial services, start-ups and digital assets. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He holds a Master of Laws with honours focused on crypto-assets and has advised on a tokenised property development project in New Zealand. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

14. Chris Anderson

Partner, Lane Neave

Chris Anderson is Partner at Lane Neave, based in Christchurch. The public profile places their work in Commercial property, subdivisions and residential developments. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He serves on the Lane Neave Board and is a trustee of the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

15. Aaron Sherriff

Partner, Duncan Cotterill

Aaron Sherriff is Partner at Duncan Cotterill, based in Wellington. The public profile places their work in Insurance, litigation, construction, insolvency and disaster recovery. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He is qualified in both New Zealand and British Columbia and participates in the Global Insurance Law Connect Construction Special Interest Group. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

16. Alastair Espie

Partner and Head of Employment, Duncan Cotterill

Alastair Espie is Partner and Head of Employment at Duncan Cotterill, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Employment law, workplace investigations and employment relations. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

His current firm profile shows recent 2026 employment insights and leadership of the employment practice. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

17. Gerard Dale

Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan

Gerard Dale is Partner at Dentons Kensington Swan, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, major contracts, projects, resources, financial services and healthcare. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

He has more than 24 years of experience supporting domestic and international organisations through complex transactions. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

18. Renee Butler

Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan

Renee Butler is Partner at Dentons Kensington Swan, based in Wellington. The public profile places their work in Employment, workplace investigations, health and safety, restructures and public sector people matters. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

She has been recognised as a Next Generation Partner for Labour and Employment in Legal 500 Asia Pacific from 2024 to 2026. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

19. Allan Yeoman

Partner, Buddle Findlay

Allan Yeoman is Partner at Buddle Findlay, based in Auckland. The public profile places their work in Technology, media and telecommunications, procurement, regulatory work, contracting, privacy and data. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

His public firm listing places him in Buddle Findlay’s Auckland partnership and TMT practice. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

20. Amy Ryburn

Partner, Buddle Findlay

Amy Ryburn is Partner at Buddle Findlay, based in Wellington. The public profile places their work in Corporate and commercial law, governance and board work. That breadth matters in a New Zealand legal market where partners often move between technical advice, major transactions, public institutions and long-term client relationships. This is a recognition directory, not a quality comparison. It is intended to help readers understand the range of current partnership work across the country.

She is listed as a Wellington partner and serves on the firm’s Board of Management. That detail gives readers a useful starting point for understanding the kind of work associated with this partner, while leaving room to investigate the firm, practice and current team for themselves. The official profile or people page is the best place to check the latest role and contact details before making a professional approach.

Patterns across the list

Several patterns stand out. Corporate, property and infrastructure work remain central to many large New Zealand practices, but they sit alongside specialist work in technology, privacy, employment, health and safety, environment, Māori business and public law. The modern partner role is rarely confined to one narrow legal label.

A second pattern is the importance of public contribution beyond a client file. The profiles point to tribunal and panel membership, board work, legal education, sector commentary, professional recognition and community trusteeships. Those activities do not replace evidence of legal capability, but they help explain how some partners contribute to the wider profession and public life.

A third pattern is geographic reach. Auckland and Wellington feature strongly because they are major centres for corporate, government and institutional work, while Christchurch and other regions remain important for property, planning, agribusiness, infrastructure and community relationships. A national view is more useful than treating one city as the whole market.

How to use this list

Use the list as a starting point for research, not as a substitute for a careful brief. Begin with the type of issue, then look at the relevant practice area, sector experience, location and current team. Read the official profile linked to each name, then check the firm’s current people pages before contacting anyone because roles and responsibilities can change.

If you are building a leadership team, choosing an adviser or trying to understand a professional services market, pay attention to the kind of work each person repeatedly describes. The strongest fit is usually found where the problem, the sector and the working relationship line up clearly.

Frequently asked questions

How were these law firm partners selected?

The people were selected from current first-party New Zealand law firm pages and related official firm material. Each retained person had a current partnership role and a public description of relevant work or contribution. The selection is for recognition and orientation. It does not claim to measure who is best.

Does the list include every major New Zealand law firm?

No. It is a focused list of 20 people across a range of firms and practice areas. The New Zealand legal market is much larger, and the accompanying internal reserve contains additional current names for future editorial work.

Should I contact someone directly from this list?

Start by reading the linked official profile and the relevant firm’s current contact page. Then check that the person’s practice, location and availability fit your need. For a complex matter, it is usually better to approach a firm through the relevant practice team and explain the problem clearly.

Conclusion

The 20 profiles show a legal market shaped by technical expertise, relationships, public responsibility and changing client needs. They also show why recognition lists are most useful when they help readers ask better questions rather than make a final choice for them.

For wider thinking about leadership alignment and organisational culture, read 11 Proven Ways to Get Your Leadership Team Aligned, Why Culture Change Fails, and How to Build a Company Culture Employees Will Move Cities to Join.

If your leadership team is working through alignment, culture or the way people contribute to shared work, Jonno White helps organisations turn those questions into practical conversations. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to start a written conversation about your context.

About the author

Jonno White is the founder of Consult Clarity, a Certified Working Genius Facilitator and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with leadership teams, schools, corporates and nonprofits on practical leadership, culture and team development.