Dentons in New Zealand has been once again recognised in the 2024 edition of Legal 500’s Asia Pacific guide. The firm has been ranked in 13 practice areas, and 15 of our lawyers have also been ranked as individuals. 

The firm’s Data Protection and Cyber Security practice has entered the rankings for the first time, after being identified as a firm to watch in 2023. A recognition of the strength of the firm’s expertise and market reputation, particularly our involvement advising on a number of high-profile privacy breaches. Clients described the team as “extremely client-focused, they understand our business and our particular commercial sensitivities. They always provide practical, clear advice that we can implement.”

Dentons would also like to congratulate Matthew Ockleston on his new ranking in the Transport (rail, road, air and sea) category. Clients commented that Matthew provides excellent strategic advice and strong leadership in any matter he is involved in.  

Employment Partner Renee Butler has also entered the Legal 500 Asia Pacific rankings for the first time, ranking as a Next Generation Partner. In her time at Dentons, Renee has built a reputation as an exceptional lawyer and adviser, with a style that puts clients at ease – often in their most difficult situations. 

Client’s commented in this year’s guide that ‘Dentons make a point of understanding your business and providing valuable advice that will assist, rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach. They have extensive knowledge and experience which is invaluable.’ A testament to the firm’s focus on helping clients find business solutions to achieve their goals and navigating the issues that matter most to them.

2024 rankings

Ranked practices

• Banking and Finance
• Dispute Resolution
• Investment Funds
• TMT (Technology, Media, Telecoms)
• Data Protection and Cyber Security
• Intellectual Property
• Restructuring and Insolvency
• Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• Construction
• Corporate and M&A
• Labour and Employment
• Real Estate
• Transport (rail, road, air and sea)

Hall of Fame

• David Shillson - Corporate and M&A

Leading individuals

• Matthew Ockleston - Real Estate and Construction and Transport (rail, road, air and sea)
• Ish Fraser - Real Estate and Construction and Transport (rail, road, air and sea)
• Hayden Wilson - Dispute Resolution
• Jenni Rutter - Intellectual Property
• Catriona Grover  - Investment Funds
• David Ireland - Investment Funds
• Paul Buetow - Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• Nicky McIndoe - Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• James McMillan - Restructuring and Insolvency
• Hayley Miller - TMT

Next Generation Partners 

• Charlotte Parkhill  - Labour and Employment
• James Warren - Labour and Employment
• Renee Butler - Labour and Employment

Congratulations to all of our ranked lawyers and to all members of the practice areas highlighted in the 2024 rankings. The complete list of Dentons New Zealand’s Legal 500 Asia Pacific practice and individual rankings, and the related editorial commentary can be accessed here.