Chambers Global ranks Bell Gully as clear New Zealand leader

A guide to the world's leading business lawyers has again ranked Bell Gully at the top of table in New Zealand.

Bell Gully has received more top tier rankings in practice areas than other firms and has 30 of its partners ranked for their expertise.

For the second consecutive year, the firm is the only one awarded a top tier spot for its corporate/commercial practice. According to Chambers research, Bell Gully's corporate/commercial team is "head and shoulders above anybody else in the country".

Bell Gully's dispute resolution practice is also awarded sole leader status this year - the only New Zealand firm to receive a top tier ranking in this category.

Top tier rankings are also awarded to the firm in banking and finance, employment and tax.

The Chambers Global Guide is produced by UK legal publisher Chambers and Partners following independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked on a scale of 1-6, with an additional ranking awarded to those considered Up and Coming.

The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence and commitment, and other qualities valued by clients.

The full list of Bell Gully practice and individual rankings, as published in The Chambers Global Guide 2007, is as follows:

Practice area

Comments from research

Banking and finance(Firm Rank 1)

David McPherson
David Craig
Murray King

"Consistently high standard of service – the lawyers there never fail to delight."

Corporate/Commercial (Firm Rank 1)

Gavin Macdonald
David Flacks
Garry Downs
Brynn Gilbertson
Haydn Wong
James Gibson
Mark Freeman
Peter Castle

Corporate/Commercial: Competition

Phil Taylor

Corporate/Commercial: Energy

James Willis