New Zealand Law Awards 2020 Commemorative Guide by Key Media

COMMEMORATIVE GUIDE

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IT IS our pleasure to present the winners of the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards. Last year was one of great upheaval. COVID-19 has changed our world, impacting everything from our social lives to our working habits. However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate the hard work and achievements of the best in the legal profession – even if we weren’t able to do so in person. The legal profession’s future looks bright as we acknowledge the best firms, dealmakers and in-house lawyers on the following pages. These are the lawyers who will be seizing the opportunity to ensure the profession emerges even stronger than it was before COVID-19. The New Zealand Law Awards recognise lawyers from firms large and small, from in-house legal teams and other areas of the profession. We received hundreds of outstanding nominations, which were whittled down to a shortlist of finalists before our esteemed panel of judges was faced with the challenging task of determining the overall winners. We would like to thank all of our judges for dedicating their time to selecting and awarding excellence. On behalf of the New Zealand Law Awards and Key Media, we would like to extend our congratulations to all the gold winners and excellence award recipients, whose outstanding accomplishments have inspired us all. Despite the challenges faced over the past year, the future of the legal profession has never looked brighter.

DEAL AWARDS Debt Market Deal of the Year

Equity Market Deal of the Year

Project Finance Deal of the Year

M&A Deal of the Year

Insolvency and Restructuring Deal of the Year

Mid-Market Deal of the Year

New Zealand Deal of the Year

The Simpson Grierson Award for Financial Services In-House Team of the Year

Young In-House Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under)

In-House Lawyer of the Year

The Russell McVeagh Award for In-House Team of the Year

Employment Law Specialist Firm of the Year

Property & Construction Specialist Law Firm of the Year

Litigation & Dispute Resolution Specialist Law Firm of the Year

The Western Union Business Solutions Award for Intellectual Property Specialist Law Firm of the Year

Insurance Specialist Law Firm of the Year

Boutique Law Firm of the Year

The Artemis Executive Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice (< 50 Lawyers)

The Artemis Executive Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice (51-100 Lawyers)

The Artemis Executive Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice (> 100 Lawyers)

The Resolution Institute Award for Mediator of the Year

Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under)

IN-HOUSE AWARDS

FIRM AWARDS

Managing Partner of the Year (< 100 Lawyers)

Managing Partner of the Year (> 100 Lawyers)

The NZ Lawyer Award for Deal Team of the Year (> 100 Lawyers)

Regional/Suburban Law Firm of the Year

Deal Team of the Year (< 100 Lawyers)

Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year

Large Law Firm of the Year

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CROWNING THE CREAM OF THE CROP As COVID-19 pushed the legal profession to go digital, the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards honoured the country’s best lawyers, firms and in-house legal departments in a virtual ceremony

IN JUNE 2020, firms, lawyers, in-house departments, banks and accountancy firms across New Zealand were invited to nominate the best in the country’s legal services market for the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards. Over a five-week nomination period, the New Zealand Law Awards team received an influx of high-quality submissions, highlighting the efforts and achievements of firms, individuals and teams who stepped up over the past year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a stringent evaluation process conducted by a panel of more than 20 independent expert judges over several months, the winners were crowned in a virtual ceremony 10 December. For the first time in their 17-year history, the New Zealand Law Awards were celebrated entirely online. “It’s important that we are highlighting and celebrating the high-quality work, innovation

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and positive change happening within New Zealand’s legal profession, as well as celebrating the excellence and leadership of those lawyers who are creating new standards,” said Jo Avenell, CEO of award sponsor Russell McVeagh.

The value of a victory To be recognised at the New Zealand Law Awards is to be widely acknowledged as being among the best of the best in the country’s legal industry – an especially significant accomplishment in a year that has posed many challenges for the profession as a whole. “The New Zealand Law Awards is the NZ legal profession’s largest annual event – it brings our legal community together and recognises the best and brightest in our legal profession,” said Kathryn Cross, managing director of award sponsor Artemis Executive Recruitment. “It is important to recognise their hard work and celebrate their fantastic achievements every year, but particularly this year, as it has been such a challenging one.” The esteemed judges who took on the challenging task of selecting

the 2020 award winners included partners from leading firms Bell Gully, DLA Piper, Simpson Grierson, Buddle Findlay, Webb Henderson, Hesketh Henry, Anderson Lloyd, Anthony Harper and Duncan Cotterill. GCs from major companies like Coca-Cola Amatil, Westpac NZ, Air New Zealand and ANZ Bank New Zealand also lent their expertise. Judge Ann Brennan, chief legal advisor at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, said she always finishes the judging process “proud of what has been achieved and humbled by the effort and expertise evidenced by all the entries”. “It’s always a privilege and a pleasure to be able to see the difference New Zealand’s lawyers make to New Zealand and New Zealanders,” she said. “The awards demonstrate the value of all of our legal community, whether in private practice, in-house or within the public sector. They show our combined contribution to realising opportunities and building a sustainable future, and showcase the skills, experience and judgment on which our businesses, institutions and the New Zealand public rely.” Avenell added that the New Zealand Law Awards not only spotlight the leaders of today, but also those who play “a key role in leading the profession forward.”

Legal leaders The winners of the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards included a wide variety of firms, from top-tier and specialist firms to boutique and NewLaw firms. Russell McVeagh, Harmos Horton Lusk, WRMK Lawyers, Gilbert Walker, Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law, AJ Park, Thompson Blackie Biddles, Fee Langstone and Juno Legal were among those

who took home awards for their firms’ excellence over the past year. IP specialist firm AJ Park, the gold winner of Intellectual Property Specialist Law Firm of the Year, had a stellar 2020 that included the acquisition of rival Baldwins, growing its team and expanding its offering to clients. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the firm’s maintenance of strong IT systems and implementation of a comprehensive response plan enabled it to shift quickly to a work-fromhome setup for all staff while still delivering on client services. Landmark transactions completed during the period from April 2019 to March 2020 were also highlighted at the awards, which included seven categories focusing exclusively on deals in fields such as equity and debt markets, project finance, restructuring and insolvency, and M&A. The winning deals were evaluated on their size, complexity, breadth and innovation. The $3.4bn acquisition of Vodafone New Zealand in 2019, a complex transaction that saw participation from Bell Gully, Buddle Findlay, Chapman Tripp, Simpson Grierson and MinterEllisonRuddWatts, received the awards for both M&A Deal of the Year and New Zealand Deal of the Year. Meanwhile, accomplished mediator and barrister Paul Sills took home the Mediator of the Year Award, which was sponsored by Resolution Institute. “The Mediator of the Year Award gives us a chance to recognise peers in our industry who have undertaken outstanding work and to celebrate the great work done by all mediators in New Zealand,” said Trevor Slater, COO of Resolution Institute. “Being the recipient of the award is an absolute honour,

“The New Zealand Law Awards demonstrate the value of all of our legal community, whether in private practice, in-house or within the public sector” ANN BRENNAN, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

METHODOLOGY PROCESS • NZ Lawyer solicited nominations from firms, lawyers, in-house departments, banks and accountancy firms based in or working predominantly in New Zealand • Over a five-week period, hundreds of quality nominations were received via a nominations portal on the New Zealand Law Awards website • The New Zealand Law Awards team worked with NZ Lawyer to supplement the nominations with research gleaned from the publication and to narrow the field to a list of finalists for each category • Finalists were given the opportunity to provide additional information to the judges, who then evaluated the shortlisted candidates based on the relevant criteria • The winners were unveiled in a virtual ceremony in December

CATEGORIES The New Zealand Law Awards featured a total of 29 categories, recognising deals, firms, individual lawyers and in-house legal teams

KEY DATES 1 June 2020 The five-week nomination period opened 14 September 2020 Finalists were announced via the NZ Lawyer website and newsletter 25 September 2020 Shortlisted candidates were asked to submit additional information 10 December 2020 Winners were announced in a virtual awards ceremony

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as the award is held in high esteem in the mediation industry.” Over the past year, the leaders of top firms were tasked with showing their mettle in helping their organisations navigate an uncertain landscape – and how finalists responded to the COVID-19 pandemic became a factor in determining the winners of certain categories. Bell Gully chair Anna Buchly, who won the Managing Partner of the Year (>100 Lawyers) was recognised in part for her “proactive leadership” in 2020, which the firm said underpinned its “responsiveness, flexibility and adaptability throughout the COVID-19 crisis.” And the efforts of Tompkins Wake managing partner Jon Calder to equip the firm for the pandemic’s challenges, as well as his quiet leadership throughout the crisis, enabled him to win Managing Partner of the Year (< 100 Lawyers) for the second year in a row.

In-house excellence COVID-19-related achievements also helped the legal team at medical device company

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare pick up the Russell McVeagh Award for In-house Team of the Year. In the face of the pandemic, the team provided key support and advice to the business, even beyond what its usual role entailed, which assisted the company in meeting rising consumer demand for its medical products. On top of its usual legal tasks, the team helped to develop new processes for safe working in order to boost production output, even while handling an increased workload that resulted from regulatory concerns and heightened risk in the pandemic environment. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s Leah Taylor was recognised as the Young In-House Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under) for her contributions in the area of data privacy. Taylor took the lead in helping the business comply with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation and other privacy laws in the jurisdictions where Fisher & Paykel Healthcare operates. BNZ’s legal team bagged the Simpson Grierson Award for Financial Services In-House Team of the Year, thanks to its

“In a year like no other, we are pleased the New Zealand Law Awards can continue online to be able to learn from and celebrate the achievements of New Zealand’s lawyers from right across the legal profession,” JO AVENELL, Russell McVeagh

www.lawawards.co.nz

assistance with the bank’s COVID-19 response, as well as the key role it played in a number of well-received initiatives revolving around financial technology, the delivery of Te Reo Māori services and the promotion of gender equality within the legal profession. Meanwhile, Julian Benefield, associate GC at Foodstuffs North Island, was named In-House Lawyer of the Year for taking the lead in guiding the company through a range of regulatory issues during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as his initiative in adopting legal technology to boost the legal team’s productivity and efficiency.

A digital approach As lockdowns were imposed across the globe during 2020 to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the world has been forced to digitise its approach to daily activities like working and communicating with friends and family. The legal industry has been no different, and the need for remote work arrangements has pushed many firms into accelerating their adoption of technology to maintain seamless operations. Given the challenge of arranging a live ceremony without risk to attendees, the decision was made to take the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards virtual for the first time in the event’s history, showing that COVID-19 “won’t stop us celebrating our stellar legal talent,” Cross said. Slater pointed out that the shift to a virtual ceremony also provides an opportunity for “individual gatherings to celebrate the award winners.” Avenell added, “In a year like no other, we are pleased the awards can continue online to be able to learn from and celebrate the achievements of New Zealand’s lawyers from right across the legal profession.” Read on to find out more about the 2020 New Zealand Law Awards finalists and winners. Key Media and NZ Lawyer would like to congratulate this year’s winners and nominees, who exemplify excellence in the New Zealand legal industry.

2020 JUDGES

The New Zealand Law Awards team would like to thank our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise excellence in the legal industry

MELISSA ANASTASIOU

MALCOLM HURLEY

General counsel Spark NZ

Managing partner Anthony Harper

ERICH BACHMANN

TOM LANE

Managing partner Hesketh Henry

General counsel and company secretary – New Zealand & Pacific Coca-Cola Amatil

CHRIS BARGERY

ANDREW MATTHEWS

Partner Anderson Lloyd

Principal Matthews Law

MARNUS BEYLEFELD

SCOTT MORAN

Director Sapere Forensic & Valuation

Partner Duncan Cotterill

ANN BRENNAN

JENNIFER PAGE

Chief legal advisor and chief privacy officer, legal services Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

General counsel and company secretary Air New Zealand

DAVID BRICKLEBANK

GARTH SINCLAIR

General counsel and company secretary ANZ Bank New Zealand

Partner Webb Henderson

DAMIAN BROADLEY

TROY SWAN

Managing director AJ Park

General counsel and company secretary Winc Australia

ANNA BUCHLY

MICHAEL THOMPSON

Partner Bell Gully

Partner DLA Piper

ANNE CALLINAN

ANTON TRIXL

Chair Simpson Grierson

Partner Anderson Lloyd

SHERRIDAN COOK

TREVOR WAIREPO

Partner Buddle Findlay

General counsel and company secretary Kiwi Property

ANDREW CORDNER

MARK WEENINK

Director of legal Fonterra Co-operative Group

General manager, regulatory affairs, corporate legal services and general counsel NZ Westpac NZ

SARAH GILLIES Executive general counsel international CoreLogic

www.lawawards.co.nz

DEBT MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR This award recognises the best debt

This award recognises the best equity

market deal that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Deals were judged on their NZ aspects according to size,

complexity, breadth and innovation. The gold winner in this category automatically progressed to become a finalist for New Zealand Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

Acquisition financing of Vodafone New Zealand EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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EQUITY MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR

complexity, breadth and innovation. The gold winner in this category automatically progressed to become a finalist for New Zealand Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

Napier Port IPO

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Kāinga Ora – Housing New Zealand Wellbeing Bonds

Infratil institutional placement and AREO

LGFA syndicated bond offers

Kathmandu AREO

PROJECT FINANCE DEAL OF THE YEAR

M&A DEAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the best

project finance deal that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Deals were judged on their NZ aspects according to size,

M&A deal that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Deals were judged on their NZ aspects according to size,

complexity, breadth and innovation. The gold winner in this category automatically progressed to become a finalist for New Zealand Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

City Rail Link

EXCELLENCE AWARDS Southern Cross Cable Waipipi Wind Farm

complexity, breadth and innovation. The gold winner in this category automatically progressed to become a finalist for New Zealand Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

Vodafone New Zealand acquisition EXCELLENCE AWARDS Acquisition of Westland Co-operative Dairy Company by Inner Mongolia Yili Group Apax takeover of Trade Me Sale of Hikurangi Forest Farms to New Forests

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INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING DEAL OF THE YEAR

MID-MARKET DEAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the best

insolvency and restructuring deal that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Deals were judged on their NZ aspects according

mid-market deal (one with a value not exceeding $200m) that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Deals were judged on their NZ aspects according to size,

to size, complexity, breadth and innovation. The gold winner in this category automatically progressed to become a finalist for New Zealand Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

Receivership of Ebert Construction retention fund

complexity, breadth and innovation.

GOLD WINNER

Synlait acquisition of Dairyworks EXCELLENCE AWARDS Auckland Council green bonds issuance Sale of New Zealand Frost Fans Spark New Zealand – New Zealand cricket rights

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NEW ZEALAND DEAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the best overall deal in New Zealand that reached completion between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Finalists

were drawn from the winners of the five other Deal of the Year categories, excluding Mid-Market Deal of the Year.

GOLD WINNER

THE SIMPSON GRIERSON AWARD FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding in-house legal team in a banking, insurance or financial services organisation operating in New Zealand. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of the work they completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Vodafone New Zealand Acquisition

BNZ EXCELLENCE AWARDS

AWARD SPONSOR

INVESTED IN your future. It’s a promise we make to our people, our clients and New Zealand. Put simply, it means our best future is helping you create yours. We shape our service around specific client needs, delivering commercially savvy advice while solving problems and anticipating others. Having us in your corner means having the confidence to get on with what you do best. Contact Anne Callinan Chair and partner E: anne.callinan@simpsongrierson.com P: +64 9 977 5031 W: simpsongrierson.co.nz

ANZ Bank New Zealand Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

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YOUNG IN-HOUSE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (35 OR UNDER) This award recognises the most outstanding lawyer under the age of 35 who is permanently employed within the in-house legal function of an organisation operating in New Zealand. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of the work they completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

IN-HOUSE LAWYER OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding lawyer who is permanently employed within the in-house legal function of an organisation operating in New Zealand. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of the work they completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

2020 NEW ZEALAND LAW AWARDS

Julian Benefield Foodstuffs North Island

GOLD WINNER

Leah Taylor

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GOLD WINNER

Julian Benefield

Foodstuffs North Island

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Emily Acland Vocus

Hayley Michelle Cassidy BNZ

Jono Willis Lion

Jason Nichols Fonterra

Vivian-Lee Schaaf Auckland Council

Jo Wong SkyCity Entertainment Group Stephanie Manning Canterbury District Health Board

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HIGH-PERFORMING, recognised,

innovative, commercial and values-driven – these describe Julian Benefield, associate general counsel at Foodstuffs North Island and In-house Lawyer of the Year. Benefield started his career at Bell Gully; worked at international firms Mallesons in Melbourne and CMA in London; and further honed his legal expertise at Telstra, Australian online business REA and London-based Sky. Benefield has worked for Foodstuffs for the past five years, providing significant contributions to one of NZ’s largest organisations, which owns the PAK’nSAVE and New World brands. He recently played a crucial legal and broader crisis management role in helping Foodstuffs navigate COVID-19, including dealing effectively with unions and regulators on dynamic regulatory issues and advising on the innovative ‘virtual queue’ app. Benefield’s passion for legal tech has helped his team increase productivity and achieve real efficiency gains, and several business divisions have benefited from his strong legal leadership, including his success in improving the company’s cyber/ data risk management and governance. In addition, as a founding trustee of Foodies Foundation, the in-house charity and support for Foodstuffs, Benefield has extensively promoted the foundation, worked with numerous people going through hardships and guided the trustees on legal/governance issues. He regularly shares his knowledge and expertise with fellow lawyers and the industry.

THE RUSSELL MCVEAGH AWARD FOR IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding in-house legal team in a non-financial-services organisation operating in New Zealand. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of the work they completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Legal Team EXCELLENCE AWARDS Auckland Council Legal Services Team Chorus

AWARD SPONSOR

RUSSELL MCVEAGH is committed to operating on the cutting edge of legal practice in New Zealand. Characterised by a dynamic network of specialists who are champions for clients’ strategic goals, the full-service commercial law firm is known for outstanding client relations and teamwork. The firm’s practice groups are respected as leaders in the market and assist New Zealand’s top organisations with their most complex, challenging and high-profile matters. Contact Jo Avenell Chief executive officer E: jo.avenell@russellmcveagh.com P: +64 9 367 8091 W: russellmcveagh.com

EMPLOYMENT LAW SPECIALIST FIRM OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from employment law matters. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law EXCELLENCE AWARDS Dundas Street Richard Upton

Fonterra Legal Team SkyCity Entertainment Group Spark New Zealand Vodafone New Zealand

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PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from property and construction law matters. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from litigation and dispute resolution matters. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

2020 NEW ZEALAND LAW AWARDS

Gilbert Walker GOLD WINNER

Thompson Blackie Biddles EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GOLD WINNER

Gilbert Walker EXCELLENCE AWARDS

AlexanderDorrington Lawyers

Morris Legal

Domain Legal

Norling Law Wilson Harle

www.lawawards.co.nz

GILBERT WALKER is a specialist boutique litigation and arbitration practice that provides advocacy and advisory expertise in complex commercial and regulatory matters. Operating at the top end of the market, the Auckland-based firm acts for a wide range of clients, including major corporates, banks, professional firms and insurers. The small team of specialist lawyers work together, sharing their collective insights and experiences to ensure they deliver the best solutions at the right time. The firm’s aim is to get involved early to maximise prospects for early resolution and mitigate the risk of dispute escalation. Gilbert Walker boasts the most substantial books of cases at present and holds major roles in four of the nine ‘key’ litigation matters for 2020. Some of the firm’s key engagements during the period include acting for the former directors of Feltex in the liability and loss phase of the $200m class action arising from the Feltex IPO in 2004, and for a major bank facing a litigation-funded class action following the collapse of Ross Asset Management. The firm also acted for the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand in successful appeals to the Supreme Court in relation to a proposed coal mine on the West Coast and to the Court of Appeal in relation to a seabed mining operation off the Taranaki coast. Gilbert Walker also acted as an advisor to a major listed issuer on a number of disputes arising out of a $450m construction project suffering significant delays and cost overruns.

THE WESTERN UNION BUSINESS SOLUTIONS AWARD FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from intellectual property law matters. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

AJ Park EXCELLENCE AWARD James & Wells

AWARD SPONSOR

WITH MORE THAN 30 years of experience partnering with over 700 law firms worldwide, Western Union Business Solutions specialises in streamlining domestic and cross-border payments for the legal industry. Our global financial network helps you efficiently manage payments in more than 130 currencies across 200-plus countries and territories. Your dedicated client manager will partner with you to develop a payments solution tailored to your firm’s individual needs, working to drive efficiencies for you and your clients. Contact: Ian McCartney Business development manager, New Zealand E: ian.mccartney@westernunion.com P: +64 9 366 1286 M: +64 27 808 4285 W: business.westernunion.co.nz

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INSURANCE SPECIALIST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

THE ARTEMIS EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (< 50 LAWYERS)

This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from insurance law matters. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises the most outstanding firm in New Zealand that derives at least 50% of its revenue from a single practice area. Finalists were judged on the expertise they demonstrated between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises a law firm employing no more than 50 lawyers on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on their performance in the areas of employee engagement and retention, diversity and inclusion, remuneration and benefits, training and development, leadership, reward and recognition, and worklife balance during the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Fee Langstone EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GOLD WINNER

Gilbert Walker EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Juno Legal EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Gilbert Walker

Flacks & Wong

AJ Park

Shine Lawyers New Zealand

Hudson Gavin Martin

Layburn Hodgins

Wotton + Kearney

Morris Legal

Webb Henderson

GOLD WINNER

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THE ARTEMIS EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (51-100 LAWYERS) This award recognises a law firm employing between 51 and 100 lawyers on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on their performance in the areas of employee engagement and retention, diversity and inclusion, remuneration and benefits, training and development, leadership, reward and recognition, and work-life balance during the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Tompkins Wake EXCELLENCE AWARD Anthony Harper

THE ARTEMIS EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF CHOICE (> 100 LAWYERS)

This award recognises a law firm employing more than 100 lawyers on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on their performance in the areas of employee engagement and retention, diversity and inclusion, remuneration and benefits, training and development, leadership, reward and recognition, and worklife balance during the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Russell McVeagh EXCELLENCE AWARDS Bell Gully Buddle Findlay Chapman Tripp Dentons Kensington Swan

AWARD SPONSOR

ARTEMIS IS an award-winning premium executive search and recruitment firm that specialises in legal, human resources and executive leadership appointments. Offering bespoke recruitment and search services across a range of functional disciplines, including general counsel, partners, lawyers, CEOs, managing directors, general management, senior to mid-management, and non-executive directors, Artemis offers national, transTasman and international search capability. The Artemis legal team specialises in all legal and legally related roles, from legal support roles (legal secretary, EA/PA, legal executive. etc.) to partner and general counsel appointments. If you have a legal recruitment need, we can assist. Artemis is proud to support the ongoing development of the New Zealand legal profession. Contact Kathryn Cross Managing director P: +64 9 354 3543 M: +27 700 8049 E: kathryn.cross@artemisnz.com W: artemisnz.com

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

www.lawawards.co.nz

THE RESOLUTION INSTITUTE AWARD FOR MEDIATOR OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding mediator in the New Zealand legal industry. Eligible nominees must be a member of Resolution Institute (formerly LEADR), AMINZ or both. Finalists were judged on their achievements and performance between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Paul Sills

Mediator and barrister

EXCELLENCE AWARD Everard Halbert Sand Steps

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AWARD SPONSOR

RESOLUTION INSTITUTE is a leading trans-Tasman association for mediators, arbitrators and adjudicators. In New Zealand, we are approved to grant mediation accreditation for family dispute resolution and farm debt mediation. We provide an appointment process for individuals or organisations that require the services of a mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator, as well as training, accreditation and continuing professional development for mediators. Contact Level 4, 69-71 The Terrace Wellington 6011 Trevor Slater Chief operating officer P: +64 4 974 8051 M: +64 21 232 2027

YOUNG PRIVATE PRACTICE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (35 OR UNDER)

MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR (< 100 LAWYERS)

This award recognises the most outstanding lawyer under the age of 35 who is permanently employed within a New Zealand law firm. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of the work they completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises the most outstanding managing partner or CEO of a New Zealand law firm with no more than 100 lawyers employed on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on their achievements and performance between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Angela Harford Bell Gully

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Jon Calder

Tompkins Wake

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Emma Manohar DLA Piper

Sam Hood Norris Ward McKinnon

Igor Drinkovic MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Tim Walden James & Wells

Jordan Cox Webb Henderson Natasha Garvan Bell Gully

2020

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

NEW ZEALAND LAW AWARDS

Jon Calder

Tompkins Wake JON CALDER is an exemplary leader who lives and breathes the firm’s core value of ‘people matter’ in every aspect of his work. The firm’s performance and achievement under Wake’s leadership, plus his work to prepare and lead the firm through the challenges of COVID-19, have earned him the Managing Partner of the Year Award. Calder has been leading the firm for four years; during that time, Tompkins Wake has continued to prove that a law firm can deliver exceptional results for both clients and partners while having a strong, positive culture and being a great place to work. Calder has driven operational efficiency, marketing and business development, including a major review of the firm’s IT infrastructure and welcoming a new team in 2019. In the face of COVID-19, Calder led a comprehensive review of the company’s business continuity plan as early as January, ensuring its response plans were ready to mobilise. Even before the lockdown started, the firm’s entire staff were already working from home. All staff also remained on full hours and full pay during the crisis. Calder has continued to assess and review the firm’s policies, procedures and processes to ensure Tompkins Wake’s people are safe, have a voice and are supported in whatever challenges they face. This includes measuring and reporting on gender equality and pay to ensure the firm has no unconscious bias.

www.lawawards.co.nz

MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR (> 100 LAWYERS)

THE NZ LAWYER AWARD FOR DEAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (> 100 LAWYERS)

REGIONAL/ SUBURBAN LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the most outstanding managing partner or CEO of a New Zealand law firm with more than 100 lawyers employed on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on their achievements and performance between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises an outstanding practice group or team within a law firm that employs more than 100 lawyers on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of their deal involvement between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises an outstanding New Zealand law firm headquartered outside the central business districts of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Finalists were judged on their expertise across a range of practice areas between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNER

Anna Buchly Bell Gully

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Bell Gully Corporate Team EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GOLD WINNER

WRMK Lawyers EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Anne Callinan Simpson Grierson

Bell Gully Projects and Development Team

BlackmanSpargo Rural Law

Nick Wells Chapman Tripp

Russell McVeagh Corporate Advisory Team

Southern Legal Lawyers

Paul Beverley Buddle Findlay Richard Greenaway Anderson Lloyd

GOLD WINNER

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DEAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (< 100 LAWYERS)

This award recognises an outstanding practice group or team within a law firm that employs no more than 100 lawyers on a full-time basis. Finalists were judged on the quantity, quality, importance and innovativeness of their deal involvement between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

ABOUT THE GOLD WINNER

2020 NEW ZEALAND LAW AWARDS

Webb Henderson GOLD WINNER

Webb Henderson EXCELLENCE AWARDS Flacks & Wong Harmos Horton Lusk Corporate Team Mayne Wetherell

WEBB HENDERSON is a specialist team of trusted legal and regulatory advisors with deep expertise in corporate and M&A transactions, delivering intelligent advice and business solutions throughout the Asia-Pacific. The Auckland-based firm has handled projects ranging from government/SOE entities through to corporates and individuals. Among the numerous deals Webb Henderson has advised on over the past year, the most significant and most innovative include the strategic review and down-sale of Fonterra Co-operative Group’s shareholding in a large PRClisted infant formula manufacturer and distributor; SkyCity Entertainment Group’s construction of an international convention centre and adjacent five-star hotel; Spark’s acquisition of exclusive media rights to the New Zealand cricket matches; the establishment of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation’s venture capital fund under new legislation; the sale of 75% of New Zealand Frost Fans to Pencarrow Private Equity; Capital Group’s acquisition of First Mortgage Managers; US-listed franchisor Yum!’s takeover of Restaurant Brands New Zealand; the construction of Google’s multiple international submarine cables in the Asia-Pacific region; BGH Capital’s bid for Tip Top; a confidential Australian private equity firm’s bid for UDC Finance; Vector’s various initiatives to reduce its outage rate; and the capital raising for Downlights, a social enterprise producing luxury candles and providing employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome.

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MID-SIZE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

LARGE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

This award recognises an outstanding New Zealand law firm with six to 24 partners. Finalists were judged on their expertise across a range of practice areas between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

This award recognises an outstanding New Zealand law firm with 25 partners or more. Finalists were judged on their expertise across a range of practice areas between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

GOLD WINNERS

GOLD WINNER

Harmos Horton Lusk – Corporate Team

Russell McVeagh EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Tompkins Wake

Bell Gully Buddle Findlay

EXCELLENCE AWARD Chapman Tripp Mayne Wetherell

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MinterEllisonRuddWatts

A LOOK BACK: THE 2019 AWARD WINNERS DEAL AWARDS Capital Markets Deal of the Year Xero convertible note issuance Firms: Allens, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Gilbert + Tobin, Linklaters M&A Deal of the Year Shell New Zealand divestment program Firms: Ashurst, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Simpson Grierson Mid-Market Deal of the Year Waimea Community Dam Firms: Anderson Lloyd, Chapman Tripp, Pitt & Moore, Russell McVeagh Consumer, Media and Tech Deal of the Year Bounty Fresh takeover of Tegel Firms: Chapman Tripp, Russell McVeagh, MinterEllisonRuddWatts New Zealand Deal of the Year Shell New Zealand divestment program Firms: Ashurst, Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp, Simpson Grierson International Deal of the Year AIA acquisition of sovereign life insurance business from CBA Firms: Ashurst (AU), Bell Gully, Debevoise & Plimpton, Herbert Smith Freehills, Russell McVeagh

IN-HOUSE AWARDS The Simpson Grierson Award for Financial Services In-House Team of the Year AIA New Zealand Legal Team The Anthony Harper Award for Young In-House Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under) Paris Bree, New Zealand Oil & Gas The MinterEllisonRuddWatts Award for In-House Lawyer of the Year Marion Franks, Downer

The Russell McVeagh Award for In-House Team of the Year Spark New Zealand

Managing Partner of the Year (< 100 Lawyers) Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake

FIRM AWARDS

Managing Partner of the Year (> 100 Lawyers) Anna Buchly, Bell Gully

The NICHE Recruiting Specialists Award for Employment Law Specialist Firm of the Year Dundas Street Litigation & Dispute Resolution Specialist Law Firm of the Year Gilbert Walker Property & Construction Specialist Law Firm of the Year Thompson Blackie Biddles Intellectual Property Specialist Law Firm of the Year AJ Park Insurance Specialist Law Firm of the Year Wotton + Kearney

The NZ Lawyer Award for Deal Team of the Year (> 100 Lawyers) Russell McVeagh Corporate Team The Law Plus Award for Regional/ Suburban Law Firm of the Year WRMK Lawyers Deal Team of the Year (< 100 Lawyers) Webb Henderson Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year Tompkins Wake The K3 Legal Award for Large Law Firm of the Year Chapman Tripp

Boutique Law Firm of the Year Flacks & Wong The Legal Personnel Award for Employer of Choice (<50 Lawyers) WRMK Lawyers The Legal Personnel Award for Employer of Choice (51-100 Lawyers) Anthony Harper The Legal Personnel Award for Employer of Choice (>100 Lawyers) Bell Gully The Resolution Institute Award for Mediator of the Year Mark Kelly, Bankside Chambers The Artemis Executive Recruitment Award for Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year (35 or Under) Liz Blythe, Russell McVeagh

www.lawawards.co.nz

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