Sam Hiebendaal

He also advises national and international companies on competition law investigations and disputes.

Sam has particular expertise in the defence of class actions, having advised on dozens of class actions here and overseas.  He holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (Distinction) from the University of Oxford, and is an author of the American Bar Association's Antitrust Class Actions Handbook (2nd ed).

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 recommends Sam for dispute resolution, where clients describe him as “outstanding” and “an astute strategic adviser”.

Sam has also been recognised as a Future Leader in competition law by Who's Who Legal.  Clients describe Sam as “a very intelligent and knowledgeable lawyer who always provides timely and well thought through advice."

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.

Antitrust damages litigation
Lead on the defence of a global truck manufacturer in multi-billion euro antitrust damages litigation (including mass claims and several class actions) in Europe and elsewhere. It is the largest and most complex antitrust damages litigation ever brought in Europe.

Multi-jurisdictional investigations
Acted on multi-jurisdictional, internal investigations into competition and financial regulatory compliance for global banks.