Russell McVeagh has received seven finalist nominations across six categories at this year's Legal Excellence Awards, recognising the strength of our people, client work and market-leading transactions.
The recognition follows a year of continued growth and investment in our people, technology and national presence, alongside our ongoing contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Firm and individual awards
Russell McVeagh has been shortlisted for:
Large Law Firm of the Year
Firm Leader of the Year - David Butler, Board Chair and Partner - Real Estate and Construction
Dispute or Litigation Firm of the Year
The Dispute or Litigation Firm of the Year nomination reflects the breadth and significance of our Dispute Resolution team's work, supporting clients through complex commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, public law proceedings and class actions across a range of sectors.
The breadth of the firm's recognition is reflected in four transactions shortlisted across M&A, Banking & Finance and Capital Markets:
Banking and Finance Deal of the Year
Pacific Equity Partners' acquisition and financing of a 75% interest in Spark New Zealand's data centre business, enabling TenPeaks Data Centres to launch as an independently owned and financed platform with funding for its planned expansion, led by Banking and Finance Partner David Weavers and Special Counsel Matt Consedine.
Genesis Energy's landmark Huntly Firming Options framework with Contact Energy, Mercury NZ and Meridian Energy, a first-of-its-kind arrangement designed to support New Zealand's electricity security during periods of system stress, led by Banking and Finance Partner Jesse Fairley and Special Counsel Ling Yan Pang.
Capital Markets Deal of the Year
Goodman Property Trust's corporatisation and transition to a stapled structure, creating Goodman NZ and bringing its passive property investments and active business together in one listed security, led by Corporate Advisory Partner Dan Jones and Banking and Finance Partners Deemple Budhia and Bevan Peachey.
Merger and Acquisition Deal of the Year
Fonterra Co-operative Group's NZ$4.22 billion sale of Mainland Group to Lactalis, one of the largest transactions in New Zealand corporate history, co-led by Corporate Advisory Partners David Hoare, Ben Paterson and Hannah Wilson.
The inaugural Legal Excellence Awards recognise excellence in how legal work is approached, delivered and achieved across New Zealand, highlighting its role in delivering lasting value for clients, communities and the wider economy.
Thank you to the awards committee, judges and sponsors for this recognition. We also thank our clients for the confidence they place in us and for the opportunity to work alongside them on these significant matters.
Congratulations to our fellow finalists and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of New Zealand's legal profession in November.
