Our experience ensures we have the skills to provide clients with cost-effective and comprehensive advice and representation across all aspects of dispute resolution. We provide clients with clear, sound advice about the critical legal issues at hand, the processes and options for resolution and the remedies available to you. 

Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Our approach is to undertake a careful and thorough analysis of the issues which are at the heart of any dispute or proceeding at the outset. We then ensure that our clients are fully appraised of their options including alternative dispute resolution, the processes and risks involved and we work with our clients to develop an effective strategy that will best achieve their goals and preferred outcomes.

Our team has considerable experience in alternative dispute resolution processes, including negotiation and mediation, and has a high success rate in resolving claims outside of the court or tribunal environment. Where matters cannot be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, our specialists have strong advocacy skills and significant experience in representing clients across all court and tribunal levels.

We are able to assist clients on a full range of disputes, claims and issues including:

  • Civil proceedings, including preparing statements of claim and statements of defence, interlocutory applications, discovery, summary judgement applications, default judgment applications and injunction applications 
  • Appeals
  • Administrative law and judicial review proceedings
  • Contractual disputes and claims including misrepresentation, cancellation and specific performance
  • Lease and property law disputes
  • Debt recovery and enforcement proceedings
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings
  • Environmental and Resource Management Act proceedings and appeals, including enforcement orders, prosecutions and declarations 
  • Employment disputes for employers and employees
  • Building defects and construction contract disputes, including prosecutions and adjudications
  • Applications concerning Māori land, including succession, trusts and incorporations and use of Māori land (transfers, partitions, leases, financing)
  • Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees Act claims
  • Trust and estate litigation
  • Family protection and testamentary promises claims, parenting orders and relationship property orders
  • Limited licence applications

Alternative Dispute Resolution

  • Negotiations
  • Mediations
  • Adjudications
  • Expert reviews
  • Arbitrations 

Tribunal advocacy

  • Employment Tribunal 
  • Tenancy Tribunal 
  • Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority 
  • Waitangi Tribunal
  • Weathertight Homes Tribunal
  • Accident Compensation Appeal Authority
  • Immigration and Protection Tribunal
  • District and Regional Council hearings
  • Board of Inquiries 

Court

Our team regularly advocate for our clients in a range of Court forums, including:   

  • District Court
  • Family Court
  • Environment Court
  • Māori Land Court
  • High Court
  • Court of Appeal 

I have used Lauren Wallace and Rebeca Eaton of Govett Quilliam on two occasions to assist with court proceedings relating to weathertightness disputes. Their knowledge of the Building Act, professionalism and negotiating skills were outstanding and I would have no hesitation in using them again if the need arises.

Johnny Aitken

Dispute Resolution Specialists

Lauren Wallace

Partner

Troy Wano

Partner

Ellie Wilson

Partner

Rebecca Eaton

Senior Associate

Heather Froude

Senior Associate

Bayley Sprott

Lawyer

Robyn Allen-Raven

Legal Support

Get in touch

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