Bankside Chambers has been ranked Tier 1 for commercial disputes in New Zealand, in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2025. Nine barristers have also received individual rankings.

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The Bankside Chambers set has been recognised for its diverse range of experience and expertise and its broad range of expertise across various levels of seniority, “ensuring that clients have access to highly capable counsel for both complex and routine matters.”

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Legal 500 noted the availability of counsel as another key asset, “with the set providing excellent responsiveness and a flexible approach to client needs. Their ability to consistently field a strong team across a variety of cases is a key strength, especially in more time-sensitive or high-pressure situations.”

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Bankside was acknowledged as having “next generation of KCs in New Zealand”, covering a broad range of practice areas.

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Dr Simon Foote KC and Jason Goodall KC have again been ranked Tier 2 in Leading Silks 2025 for commercial disputes. In Leading Barrister Sole, Rebecca Rose has ranked Tier 1 for commercial disputes. Dr Anna Kirk, Bridgette White, Jeremy Johnson, Lauren Lindsay, Michael Morrison and Polly Pope have ranked Tier 2.

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Leading Silks 2025

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Recognised for his unique skills in domestic and international arbitration, Dr Simon Foote KC has maintained his rank as Leading Silk for a second year in a row: “Simon is a very experienced advocate. His cross examination skills are first rate.”

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Jason Goodall KC has been recognised for his expertise in class action lawsuits and his key role in acting for the liquidators of CBL Corporation in two shareholder class actions brought by the Financial Markets Authority: “Jason is one of the top silks for commercial and insolvency matters. He is sought after for his strategic and commercial approach to disputes. He is also very skilled at negotiation, including where the parties and the dynamics are particularly challenging, to get to a result.”

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Leading Barristers – Sole

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Rebecca Rose’s particular expertise in complex trusts, and appearance in the precedent setting Addleman & Lambie Trustee Ltd & Others has earned her a Tier 1 ranking: “No weaknesses. One of the best legal minds in New Zealand.”

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Dr Anna Kirk’s arbitration expertise and superb advocacy skills have ensured her ranking as a Leading Barrister – Sole: “She has a total command of her specialist subject and is able to use this knowledge to great effect in relation to all aspects of arbitration work. She has an excellent tactical approach to the dispute in question and is able to use interlocutory applications to great effect for the benefit of her clients.”

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Legal 500’s research team note Bridgette White’s experience in commercial, regulatory and insolvency litigation and her excellent communication skills: “Bridgette is a great communicator. She has tremendous people skills and strong litigation instincts. She is in demand at the junior bar which reflects the esteem in which she is held.”

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Jeremy Johnson has been praised for being a seasoned barrister in areas such as trusts, equity, relationship property and company, and commercial law: “Jeremy is a very good advocate – he is an eloquent speaker, and his oral submissions are very persuasive.”

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Lauren Lindsay maintains her ranking, recognised as a commercial disputes lawyer with niche capabilities in the insurance industry, and her notable role as lead counsel for No Money No Honey trust in a claim against insurers arising out of alleged defective repairs following the Christchurch earthquakes: “Lauren is a ferocious advocate who will fight strongly for her clients and put their best case forward. Combined with her razor sharp analytical skills and her deep experience in both commercial and investment treaty arbitration, Lauren is a formidable force and a joy to work with.”

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Michael Morrison has been acknowledged for his exceptional advocacy skills, and extensive experience as senior counsel: “He is analytical, considered and strong in his advocacy. He is someone you want on your team in a challenging dispute.”

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Recent newcomer to the independent bar, Polly Pope has been ranked for her expertise in commercial, insolvency, construction, and financial regulatory enforcement disputes and investigations, and excellent client manner: ”Polly is a very strong advocate, with a hard working, lateral thinking and courageous approach. She is very versatile and dynamic.”

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See the full rankings at legal500.com/c/new-zealand-bar/commercial-disputes.