James specialises in competition law and commercial litigation.

James provides advice on all aspects of restrictive trade practices and acquisitions under the Commerce Act, together with Fair Trading Act issues. He has been involved in significant court litigation dealing with Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act claims, together with numerous clearance applications for acquisitions. He has also assisted clients with successful leniency applications to the Commission. He regularly provides compliance seminars to clients on the Commerce Act and the Fair Trading Act.

James also acts for a range of clients in litigation involving general commercial matters, assisting with all aspects of litigation ranging from alternative dispute resolution through to court proceedings.

As well as being admitted in New Zealand, James is also admitted as a Solicitor, England and Wales (non-practising); and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Samoa (non-practising).

He is an advisory board member of the Competition Law & Policy Institute of NZ (CLPINZ); and a member of the Association of Dispute Resolvers (LEADR). 

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2024
Competition Law

Leading Lawyer

Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024
Competition/Antitrust

Leading Lawyer

Who's Who Legal: Australia & New Zealand 2023
Competition

Global Leader

The International Who's Who Legal 2023
Competition

Global Leader

Work Highlights

Recent Commerce Act acquisition matters

2degrees
Acted for 2degrees in obtaining clearance from the Commerce Commission for Connexa to acquire 2degrees’ mobile tower network in 2023.

Vocus / Orcon
Obtaining clearance from the Commerce Commission to acquire the telecommunications business of 2degrees in 2022.

Are Media
Obtaining clearance from the Commerce Commission for it to acquire the magazine distribution business of Ovato in 2021.

Bayer
Acting in 2020 in relation to the application for clearance to the Commerce Commission for Elanco to acquire Bayer’s animal health business in New Zealand.

Recent Commerce Act restrictive trade practices matters

Freight Forwarding
Acting in 2021/2022 for a freight forwarder involved in the Commission’s cartel conduct investigation.

Restrictive Covenants
Acting in 2021/2022 for the complainant in relation to the Commission’s investigation and Court proceedings regarding an anti-competitive restrictive covenant.

Recent general litigation matters

Fuji Xerox NZ Litigation
Acting for the former managing director of Fuji Xerox NZ in major High Court litigation relating to alleged breaches of director’s duties.

Westland Milk
Acting for Westland Milk in 2022 in Court proceedings brought against it by a supplier.

Areas of Expertise

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