Sam Hiebendaal

Partner, Auckland

Contact

+64 9 916 8961 +64 21 318 684 sam.hiebendaal@bellgully.com View my LinkedIn

Expertise

Sam is a dispute resolution, insurance, and competition law specialist. He advises clients on their most significant and complex disputes and has represented clients at all levels of the Court system, in mediations, and in arbitration.

Sam's insurance experience spans disputes about cover under general, liability, life, cyber, D&O, W&I, and contract works insurance policies. In addition, he advises major insurers on contentious prudential and regulatory matters and investigations, and also advises market participants on the application of fire levies.

Sam has significant national and international experience advising clients on competition law investigations and damages claims, particularly in relation to alleged cartel conduct and misuse of market power.

Sam also has particular expertise in the defence of class actions, having advised on dozens of class actions here and overseas.  

He is an author of the American Bar Association's Antitrust Class Actions Handbook (2nd ed). His legal writing has also been cited in leading insurance, company law, land law, and equity textbooks.

Qualifications

BA, LLB (Hons) University of Auckland
Bachelor of Civil Law (Distinction) University of Oxford
Post-Graduate Diploma in EU Competition Law King's College
2010 Admitted New Zealand​​​

Professional experience

​2015-2020 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer London, UK

Market recognition

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 Insurance, 'Next Generation Partner'.

Who's Who Legal Competition, 'Future Leader'.

Clients describe Sam as "outstanding" and "an astute strategic adviser", and he is recognised as "an expert in insurance litigation, including regulatory investigations".

Others note Sam is "a very intelligent and knowledgeable lawyer who always provides timely and well thought through advice."

Work highlights

Bank disclosure class action

Acting for a major New Zealand bank in defence of a class action brought by customers alleging errors in disclosing loan details.

Fire at the New Zealand International Convention Centre

Advising a client on all aspects of the fire at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, with a focus on insurance issues.

Misuse of market power

Advising network and other access providers and access seekers on misuse of market power issues.

Insurance class action

Acted for one of New Zealand's largest insurers in defeating a proposed class action.

Earthquake insurance litigation

Acting for Southern Response in multiple proceedings in the High Court, District Court, and Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal.

Relevant insights

21 May 2025
The Big Picture: Class Actions
24 April 2025
Fraud and Scams Update: Banks commit to new protections – and reimbursement - for scam victims
8 April 2025
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015: proposed reform
2 April 2025
CCCFA & COFI update: major reforms offer simplification (and a few new challenges)
31 March 2025
Consumer Data Right takes effect: a “monumental step for Kiwi consumers”
31 March 2025
Fraud and scams update: English Court rules on banks’ duties to non-customers
3 March 2025
CBL judgment – CFO found liable as an accessory for continuous disclosure breaches
3 March 2025
High Court overturns Whakaari Management Ltd conviction and addresses scope of key legislative provision
27 February 2025
ASIC ponders whether it should be worried about the emergence of private capital
24 February 2025
De-banking restrictions back on the table?
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