News
Bell Gully partners lead NZ firms in Asia Pacific rankings
The expertise of Bell Gully partners has been recognised with the leading overall ranking for New Zealand law firms in this year's edition of the international legal directory, The Asia Pacific Legal 500.
For the eighth year running, the firm has the highest number of partners – 14 in total – named as leading individuals in New Zealand.
Clients interviewed by researchers described Bell Gully as "one of New Zealand's top law firms" and as displaying "excellent response times, business acumen/industry knowledge, appropriateness of advice, strength-in-depth of team and value for money". The guide also referred to "Bell Gully's 'quality of individuals and depth of talent'", referring to Andrew Beatson as "a top resource management expert".
The firm shares top billing for the most practice areas, including banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, employment, projects and resource management, restructuring and insolvency, and tax. The firm is also highly ranked for its expertise in intellectual property as well as in real estate and construction.
The Asia Pacific Legal 500 is produced annually by UK-based publisher Legalease and is based on independent research among lawyers and clients.
Full commentary and rankings are available online at The Asia Pacific Legal 500.
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PRACTICE AREA |
THE LEGAL 500 SAYS... " " |
LEADING INDIVIDUALS |
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Banking and Finance |
Bell Gully is 'one of New Zealand's top law firms' and displays 'excellent response times, business acumen/industry knowledge, appropriateness of advice, strength-in-depth of team and value for money', with David McPherson being 'highly rated for his commercial and legal skills'. |
David Craig |
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Corporate and M&A |
Bell Gully is consistently trusted with New Zealand's largest deals, including advising the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation on the acquisition of Shell's New Zealand refining and downstream business, and it regularly achieves market firsts, such as the first capital raising to utilise a SAREO structure. |
Brynn Gilbertson |
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Dispute Resolution |
Bell Gully is recommended for its 'strategic insights and ability to manage major litigation with a team strong in terms of legal ability and economic background'. Mark O'Brien is 'outstanding in court', while Ralph Simpson is a 'very sharp, savvy and strategic litigator, who resolves matters at a low cost to clients'. |
Mike Colson |
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Employment |
Rob Towner has 'vast experience and provides crystal-clear advice in a succinct manner'. |
Rob Towner |
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Projects and Resource Management |
Bell Gully's 'quality of individuals and depth of talent' mean it is sought to advise on top-end mandates. Andrew Beatson is a top resource management expert, while Chris Gordon is recommended for energy-related work. |
Chris Gordon |
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Restructuring and Insolvency |
Bell Gully is PwC's preferred legal provider, regularly acts for McGrathNicol and KordaMentha, and is the adviser to New Zealand's Official Assignee in Auckland. It also counts major banks and financial institutions as clients. Leading insolvency litigator Murray Tingey continues to act for Bridgecorp's receivers. David McPherson is a top-notch restructuring expert. |
Murray Tingey |
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Tax |
Bell Gully's team impresses clients, with one commenting that 'colleagues globally are extremely impressed with the firm and agree that they are in the best hands'. The 'calm, unflappable' Niels Campbell 'just exudes expertise', has 'remarkable contacts', is 'very approachable' and 'makes himself available whenever necessary'. |
Niels Campbell |
