News
Global research places Bell Gully as New Zealand leader
A guide to the world's leading business lawyers has again ranked Bell Gully a clear leader overall among Zealand law firms.
Chambers Global Guide is produced by UK legal publisher Chambers and Partners after independent research and interviews with lawyers and clients.
The just released 2008 edition sees Bell Gully awarded top tier rankings in seven major practice areas and 28 of its partners and a senior associate singled out for their expertise - far ahead of other major New Zealand firms.
For the third consecutive year, the firm has the only top tier corporate/commercial practice, with Chambers noting that "Bell Gully now operates at a level that is well ahead of the other firms".
Top tier rankings are also awarded to the firm in banking and finance, dispute resolution, employment, restructuring/insolvency, tax and TMT (technology, media and telecommunications). The firm's intellectual property practice is also ranked and its climate change expertise noted in a new global section dedicated to the growing area - the only New Zealand firm recognised and one of only two in the southern hemisphere.
Bell Gully practice and individual rankings, as published in The Chambers Global Guide 2008 are:
| Practice area | Individual | Chambers research excerpts |
| GLOBAL | ||
| Climate change | Simon Watt | "This New Zealand-based firm has garnered a global reputation for environment work, and is rapidly distinguishing itself in the field of climate change." |
| NEW ZEALAND | ||
| Banking and finance (Firm Rank 1) |
David McPherson David Craig Murray King |
"Many consider Bell Gully to be 'top of the pile' The firm's 'great depth of service' stands it in good stead and ensures these major national and international clients continue to turn to Bell Gully for their complex finance needs." |
| Corporate/Commercial (Firm Rank 1) |
Gavin Macdonald David Flacks Garry Downs Brynn Gilbertson Haydn Wong James Gibson Mark Freeman |
"Considered by many to be 'the market leader in M&A work' thanks to its size and the quality of its 'outstanding lawyers', this highly respected corporate team 'responds to matters with attention, urgency and accuracy' sources report...observers state 'Bell Gully now operates at a level that is well ahead of the other firms'." |
| Corporate/Commercial: Competition |
Phil Taylor | |
| Corporate/Commercial: Energy |
Garry Downs | |
| Corporate/Commercial: Public Law |
David McGregor Simon Watt |
|
| Dispute Resolution (Firm Rank 1) |
Brian Latimour Ralph Simpson Roger Partridge Mark O'Brien David Cooper |
"Size, experience and expertise combine to make the team at Bell Gully one of the leaders in the sector...the team continues to earn 'a great deal of respect' and work, both domestic and international." |
| Employment (Firm Rank 1) |
Andrew Scott-Howman Rob Towner |
"Lawyers here are praised for their experience and clarity when it comes to advising employers, and for their expert handling of contentious matters and litigation." |
| Intellectual Property (Firm Rank 2) |
Alan Ringwood Ian Gault Colleen Cavanagh |
"Noted for its skilled representation of clients in both contentious and non-contentious matters, this practice is esteemed for offering 'consistent high-quality and timely advice and knowledgeable specialists'." |
| Restructuring/Insolvency (Firm Rank 1) |
Murray Tingey | "Bell Gully's insolvency and restructuring practice draws together experts from the litigation, corporate and financial services teams, and commentators are more than satisfied with the results." |
| Tax (Firm Rank 1) |
David Simcock Niels Campbell Joanne Hodge Willy Sussman |
"The 'heavy-hitting' tax team is a core part of the firm's operations, and a large contributor to its success. This practice strives for a 'real focus on quality'." |
| TMT (Firm Rank 1) |
"...highly regarded lawyers who are 'well balanced between the strictly legal and commercial views, providing good-quality advice in a timely and efficient manner'." |
