15 January 2026
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Wynn Williams has been recognised in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Guide, reinforcing the Firm’s position as a leading full-service law firm in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Firm is ranked across five core practice areas — Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Environment & Resource Management, and Insurance — with a number of Partners and senior lawyers individually recognised for their expertise, leadership and client service.
Legal 500’s independent research reflects the strength of Wynn Williams’ client relationships, its depth of sector knowledge, and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach across both advisory and contentious work.
The following is based on both Legal 500’s own editorial commentary and client testimonials:
Corporate & Commercial
The Firm’s Corporate Advisory and Transactions Team is recognised for its work on complex mergers and acquisitions, including private equity and venture capital matters involving sophisticated investment terms. Kimberley Wong is acknowledged for her work within the team, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector, marking her first inclusion in the Legal 500 guide. Hayley Buckley and Managing Partner Ash Hill are once again recognised for their depth of experience and commercial insight across the practice. Clients note the team’s ability to provide advice that is “flexible and practical,” with a clear focus on “what is needed to get a deal done”.
Dispute Resolution
The team continues to act on complex commercial, civil and regulatory disputes across New Zealand. Co-led by Joshua Shaw and Rebecca Saunders, the team takes a strategic, thorough approach and handles matters that often become leading cases in their fields. Greg Simms plays a key role in the practice, advising on commercial disputes, insurance matters and investigations, while Josh Taylor is recognised for his work across civil and commercial disputes and insolvency. Clients describe Wynn Williams as “serious contenders” with a “fresh, hungry approach and dynamic thinking about litigation”.
Insurance
Wynn Williams’ Insurance practice is recognised for advising across all major lines of insurance, with the team described as “client focused, pragmatic and providing excellent service”. Longstanding insurance specialist Richard Hern is recognised for his authority in professional liability, particularly in relation to real estate agents’ and lawyers’ liability, and is described by clients as “experienced, knowledgeable and striking a good balance between practicality, litigation strategy and legal rigour”. Richard Hargreaves is noted for his focus on property claims and natural disaster defence work, while Ellie Harrison is recognised for representing clients in regulatory prosecutions, coronial inquests and statutory liability matters. Greg Simms is again acknowledged for his expertise in commercial insurance claims, including directors’ and officers’ and product liability cases.
Labour and Employment
Following the firm’s merger with specialist employment boutique SBM Legal, Wynn Williams’ Employment team is recognised for advising across the full spectrum of employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious. Penny Swarbrick is included as a Hall of Fame practitioner for her longstanding expertise and experience as a trusted adviser and litigator. Kathryn Evans is noted for her advocacy on behalf of public relations professionals and her expertise in workplace investigations and negotiated exits. The addition of Matthew McGoldrick, recognised as a Next Generation Partner, further strengthens the team’s specialist offering. Clients mention the team’s “wealth of expertise,” its collaborative approach, and its “ability to understand the business and the sector, offering pragmatic and responsive advice”.
Projects and resource management (incl environment)
The team remains one of the most highly regarded in the country. Mike Doesburg is recognised for his expertise in environmental litigation, district and regional planning, resource consenting and compulsory land acquisition, and is named as a Next Generation Partner. Philip Maw is recognised as a Leading Partner for his extensive experience in contentious environmental matters and major planning issues. Clients highlight the team’s “exceptional insight into the pressures and drivers confronting local government in this space”. Elliot Maassen is also acknowledged for his contribution to the practice and high-quality client service.
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 – Individual Recognition
Hall of Fame
Leading Partners
Next Generation Partners
Legal 500 is one of the world’s leading independent legal ranking guides, with rankings based on extensive client interviews and in-depth market analysis. We are proud to see our people and teams recognised for the quality of their work and the trusted advice they provide to clients across Aotearoa New Zealand.
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