In the latest edition of the Asia Pacific Legal 500 directory released in November 2006, Simpson Grierson is the only New Zealand law firm to be ranked "Highly Recommended" and above in all practice areas.

The continued growth of Simpson Grierson, one of New Zealand's top-four legal firms, has been singled out by the Asia Pacific Legal 500 directory – the leading independent authority on law firm rankings in the Asia Pacific region.

With each practice area ranked 2 or better, the only firm in the big four to achieve this, the directory editorial noted,

"…Simpson Grierson has also managed to carve its own place at the top of the market..."

Simpson Grierson Chairman Rob Fisher, said the directory confirmed the firm's internal research that the legal market has developed into three divisions "Given the directory conducts research amongst our peers and clients, it's great to see us being recognised for the innovator that we are.  With a three tier legal market emerging, the so called 'big four' top tier firms are in a league of their own. Much has been made of the boutiques in the last few years but given our performance and research, we know clients want to deal with firms who have all the legal bases covered.  Our growth and this result confirms that".

Published annually by Legal Ease in the UK, the Asia Pacific Legal 500 is a guide to legal firms and leading lawyers in 21 Asia Pacific countries. The directory conducts independent research among firms and clients.

For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Lee, Marketing Director, Simpson Grierson
ph (09) 977 5127 or 021 418 029, or email kathryn.lee@simpsongrierson.com

Below are excerpts from the expertise areas. For a full analysis of the directory please go to http://www33.legal500.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1136&l5country_code=nz&l5directory=as500&Itemid=382

Overview of Legal Market –"Simpson Grierson has also managed to carve its own place at the top of the market and is arguably the fourth member of the leading pack."

Banking & Finance - "Simpson Grierson boasts one of the best reputations in the market, drawn from outstanding depth and breadth of expertise. The firm has consolidated its position in the banking and finance market with a number of major transactions from local parties and an increasing number of referrals from overseas banks and legal firms particularly within the Asia pacific region. Mariette van Ryn, Head of the practice, and Peter Eady are just two of the firms highly cherished partners."

Capital Markets -"Simpson Grierson's top-drawer capital markets team is comprised of a highly experienced group of 18 fee-earners, which includes ten partners. Leading expert Peter Hinton stands at the helm of the team and, together with Michael Pollard, led the firm's advice to Private Health care New Zealand in the $NZ340.5m disposal of its 25% stake in Metlifecare Limited and resultant public bid."

Corporate/M&A - "Simpson Grierson represented New Zealand Wine Fund on the acquisition of the business and assets of Goldwater Estate Limited. Other highlights include acting for Boston Scientific in relation to New Zealand section of its global acquisition of Guidant Corporation. Peter Hinton, head of the corporate group, and Kevin Jaffe, recently appointed head of the commercial department, are leading individuals".

Dispute Resolution - "Simpson Grierson has been involved in some of the highest profile litigation in New Zealand. The firm is well known for its pragmatic and commercial approach to litigation. The firm boasts contentious expertise in a wide range of areas, including competition, construction, oil and gas, media law, M&A and property disputes. Richard Lange, William Akel and Tracey walker are highly recommended."

Employment- "Still recognised as having the best practice of the larger firms, Simpson Grierson boasts Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and Telecom Corporation (NZ) Ltd as key clients in its portfolio. Phillipa Muir leads a busy team of 13 fee earners, which includes three partners."

IT and Telecoms – "Simpson Grierson's stellar IT and telecoms team boasts five partners and 18 fee-earners. The team regularly works on some of new Zealand's largest information technology transactions for customers and suppliers, which include government agencies and local and international organisations."

Insurance- "Partner Mike Sage is one of the most highly regarded practitioners in this field."

Intellectual Property - "Simpson Grierson boasts four Partners and 13 assistants in its busy intellectual property department. The firm has recently been chosen to advise Mars Inc on its IP portfolio, one of the largest portfolios in New Zealand. The practice spans M&A, IT and telecoms, biotechnology and consumer goods. Partner Earl Gray is recommended".

Projects and Energy - "Simpson Grierson's widely acclaimed energy, networks and utilities group is spearheaded by expert partner Elisabeth Welson. Partners Rob Fisher, Philip Milne and Duncan Laing are all highly regarded".

Real Estate and Construction -"While concentrating on providing real estate solutions to the business sector, Simpson Grierson's real estate and construction practice group acts in many cases for individuals and infrastructure organisations. The firm acts for a number of major commercial property investors both in New Zealand and offshore."

Restructuring and Insolvency -"Simpson Grierson's prominent insolvency and restructuring practice is part of the firm's banking and finance department, headed by partner Mariette van Ryn. The firm is regularly involved in leading cases."

Shipping -"Also boasting an established practice in the shipping sector, Simpson Grierson has most notably been involved in advising Toll NZ in respect of its 'Interislander' business, including advice relating to chartering vessels within the New Zealand regulatory environment. Other clients include ports of Auckland and BP Oil New Zealand Ltd".

Tax – "Simpson Grierson continues to be engaged in some of the most complex tax-related matters in New Zealand."