Emma is an experienced commercial litigator who advises clients and resolves disputes in sectors including public law, insurance, and life sciences.
She has appeared as counsel before all levels of New Zealand courts, in specialist tribunals and commercial arbitration. As a solutions-focussed advocate who is proficient in all forms of alternative dispute resolution, Emma is adept at resolving disputes outside of the judicial process.
She has cutting edge regulatory expertise and experience working across borders with clients including insurers, investment funds and financial services providers, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and government entities.
Emma specialises in advising clients on the interface between their public and private law obligations. Her practice is dynamic, agile, and nimble. She routinely grapples with new and novel legal issues as they emerge.
Emma is the New Zealand Life Sciences sector lead, advising domestic and international clients on complex regulatory matters in the sector — including in relation to healthcare regulation medicinal cannabis, therapeutic claims, and medical devices. Emma's medico-legal experience includes appearances at coronial inquest hearings.
As head of the New Zealand firm's Public Law practice, Emma acts for numerous local authorities and has in in-depth knowledge of key local government legislation. She regularly advises on governance and decision-making, electoral services, rating issues and all aspects of public law.