Advocacy & Dispute Resolution
I am an effective and committed advocate, who enjoys what I do and strives always to get the best results for my clients.
With over 25 years’ experience, I provide an edge in complex commercial and public law disputes across the full range of trial, appellate and ADR procedures.
I practice from Thorndon Chambers in Wellington and Richmond Chambers in Auckland, and Twenty Essex in Singapore.
I am a strategic and tactical thinker who cuts to the heart of what matters. Clients describe me as “a sharp, skilled advocate“, who is “extremely easy to work with” and “excellent in landmark cases” (Legal 500, 2016-2020). I have appeared at all levels of the New Zealand court system and in numerous international and domestic arbitrations.
I also provide advice and representation on a wide range of international legal issues. With world-class expertise in public and private international law, cross-border litigation and international arbitration, I publish widely and have for many years been listed in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, which says “he has real genius and a razor-sharp understanding of legal issues, which he translates into effective advocacy” (2019).
My international law interests often intersect with my dispute resolution expertise. But not always. I am first and foremost an advocate for commercial disputes across a range of legal contexts. I also advise on international law for non-contentious matters.
I am active before the courts in the emerging area of legal duties and climate change.
I am recognised as a leading lawyer in Chambers Asia Pacific 2021 and Chambers Global 2021, and as a leading individual for dispute resolution in Legal 500 Asia Pacific, where I am included in the Hall of Fame for having been listed for eight consecutive years.
“Clients say that Daniel is extremely smart, a great communicator and a really compelling advocate.” – Chambers (2018)
I have varied academic interests, and coordinate the civil procedure course at Victoria University of Wellington Law School. I also convene the NZLS Civil Litigation and Tribunals Committee and am a member of the Rules Committee.
