I am a barrister practising in Auckland, and elsewhere in New Zealand.

I graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with an LLB (Hons) degree in 1974.  I was admitted to the Bar in February 1976 and have practised continuously since then as a barrister and solicitor (until December 1977) and as a barrister sole (since December 1997).

Following my admission I practised in the Hutt Valley.  In mid-1985 I joined Rudd Watts & Stone in its Auckland Office and was a litigation partner of that firm from 1 January 1986 until 31 December 1997, when I went to the independent bar.  Until 31 January 2010 I practised as a barrister at Shortland Chambers. Since then I have practised in my own chambers, Bath Street Chambers, now at 2 Garfield Street, Parnell.

I regularly undertake, and have had significant experience in, most forms of civil and commercial litigation except for resource management and employment law.  I have particular experience as leading counsel in disputes concerning contract, tort, trust, equity, trade practices, intellectual property, land law, construction law and relationship property.  I have also had significant experience in the Maori Land Court and on appeals from that jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court.  I have appeared in, and continue to appear in, all levels of our Court system but especially in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.  I also have significant experience in arbitral proceedings including acting as leading counsel in arbitrations involving general contractual disputes, construction and commercial leasing disputes.  The latter has included liability disputes and disputed rent reviews, including in relation to ground rental.

On the personal front, I am married (to Colleen).  We have three grown up children and four grandchildren.  Although my principal practice is in Auckland, our main residence is in Ophir, Central Otago (near the Otago Central Rail Trail).  In Ophir we own and operate (principally Colleen) Pitches Store, a small hotel and restaurant business located in a heritage building which we restored.

I welcome instructions in any of the areas referred to above.  As well as accepting instructions as lead counsel, I am available to provide opinions and advice, including second opinions, both on substantive issues, and on the most effective, appropriate and efficient conduct of litigation.