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I am a commercial barrister based in Auckland, New Zealand.  I provide opinions and advice and assist with a range of negotiation, drafting and associated inputs into a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.  These include activities in the financial services sector (particularly securities law), business transactions and corporate governance matters.  In addition, I have had a long involvement with venture capital / private equity matters as well as matters affecting a range of non-standard entities (co-ops, industry organisations and Maori groups) involved in commercial activities and have advised a number of not-for-profits involved with a range of undertakings.

My approach is business-focussed – in keeping with my experience of more than two decades at the big end of town.  I aim to bring that experience to bear acting for a wide range of stakeholders involved in a broad spectrum of corporate / commercial activities.  My working style is co-operative, having had long experience working as part of a project team in a variety of different contexts.  This includes experience while on secondment at the Securities Commission, and as part of large commercial transaction teams as well as working on matters for central and local government.

I routinely work with a range of advisers across a broad spectrum of other disciplines.  This experience translates well into working with and advising other lawyers and their clients as well as members of the accounting, management advisory and investment banking professions.  That exposure includes not only working on technical, legal, issues but also working with others to assist them to find practical solutions for their clients.

I maintain an active involvement in law reform issues, including by providing proactive advice about new developments, identifying problems and making submissions.  I am a member of (and former convenor) of the Commercial & Business Law Committee of the New Zealand Law Society, counsel to the NZX Markets Disciplinary Tribunal and a member of the PWC (New Zealand) Advisory Advisory Board. Recently, I became a co-opted member of the Council of the New Zealand Bar Association / Ngā Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture.