Top full-service law firm Bell Gully is home to one of the largest and most respected dispute resolution teams in the country, with 12 dedicated litigation partners. The firm encompasses a full range of practice areas and sectors, at all court levels, and utilises all forms of dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation. The firm regularly features in the country’s most complex and landmark contentious matters. Its class action, insolvency, construction, regulatory and insurance specialties are noteworthy. The firm also boasts a strong Iwi and Maori practice.
The litigation team heads are Wellington-based Rachael Brown and Auckland-based David Friar. They lead a team of nearly 50 qualified dispute resolution lawyers.
In an ongoing case, the firm is acting for ANZ Bank New Zealand in a class action in respect of alleged breaches by several national banks of disclosure requirements under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA). The case is the largest class action in New Zealand to date and will be the first major test of the provisions in the CCCFA relating to agreed changes to consumer credit contracts, and potentially also the provisions allowing for compensation and agreed damages. It has the potential to set a significant precedent for the banking industry in New Zealand.
Core clients of the firm include AWN Holdings, CDL Investments New Zealand, Millennium & Copthorne and Fletcher Construction Company.
The firm promoted Alix Boberg, Rosemary Wooders and Julian Brown to partners in 2023. In the same year, Jenny Stevens retired from partnership.
Client feedback
“They are a very good team and provide very good services overall for any dispute matters.” – Construction
“Provide superb legal and strategic advice.” – Construction
“Everything, but especially their attention to detail, their great preparation and excellent presentation/performance at the arbitration itself.” – Real estate
Alix Boberg
"Great communication skills, remarkable attention to detail, and exceptional performance in the arbitration setting."
Kirsty Dobbs
“Incredibly hard-working, client-focused and strategic.”
Brad Ward
"Brad is highly responsive, thoughtful, and offers valuable and equitable advice."
