Alan Sorrell
Associate Memberalan@sorrell.nz+64 27 472 8010+64 9 302 3010Personal WebsiteLinkedIn ProfilePersonal CVSince 1974 Alan Sorrell has acted in a wide range of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, insolvency and intellectual property, real property, trust and estate matters. This breath of experience enables pro-active problem diagnoses and solutions. He has appeared in most courts and tribunals with a particular emphasis on the High Court. He joined the independent bar in 1992 as a founding Member of Bankside Chambers.
Practice Areas
Education
- LLB - University of Auckland, 1974
- New Zealand Institute of Directors Chairing the Board
- Wolfson College, Cambridge University, Visiting Fellow, 2005
Bio
Since 1974 Alan Sorrell has acted in a wide range of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, insolvency and intellectual property, real property, trust and estate matters. This breadth of experience enabled pro-active problem diagnoses and solutions. He appeared in most courts and tribunals. He joined the independent bar in 1992 as a founding Member of Bankside Chambers.
His diverse and lengthy senior governance career included Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission, the Arts Board of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa (Creative New Zealand), was on the Board of Auckland Film Studios Limited and Deputy Chair of Tennis New Zealand Inc. In 2014 he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Her Majesty the Queen for services to film.
Alan has substantial experience in mediations and was appointed to a mediation and arbitration panel of the United Nation’s World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Change giving legal advice is now timely. Alan's barristerial and governance roles gave him a good understanding of group dynamics and governmental processes. Shared strategic thinking frequently allows resolution without adjudication. Experience has allowed Alan to understand the diverse paths to good outcomes. Alan now seeks projects to assist with governance, dispute, crises and inquiry issues. In this phase, his costs are able to reflect the needs and interests of the project and will range from nothing to commercial.
Case Highlights
QPAM Limited
Large complex shareholder dispute over stadium 36 judgements culminating in the Supreme Court.
Fuel company duty dispute with Customs
One of Customs largest duty disputes finally resolved after a Supreme court hearing and negotiation
Shareholders dispute during capital raising
Employee shareholder, CV issues, directors’ duties and funders requirements. Settled.
Competition law issues for contractors
Film industry concerns with Hobbit Films and Government policy. Settled with law change.
Film industry sector submissions on copyright reform
Drafting and advising on submissions
Global technology company
Competition law opinion informing strategies
What Others Say
Publications
No items found.
Memberships
- NZLS
- ADLS
- AMINZ
- NZBA
- WIPO (Panel for Mediation and Expedited Arbitration for Film and Media)