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Nick Chapman
LLB BA(Hons) LLM(Dist)(UCL) • Wellington
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Nick is a Partner in our Litigation National Practice Group with a broad range of experience in dealing with complex, high-stakes disputes across different sectors. He has a particular focus on commercial disputes that involve public issues - whether that is commercial entities that are interacting with public decision-makers or public entities that are involved in a commercial dispute.
Nick has acted for various organisations across a broad range of disputes and industries, including commercial contracts, energy and electricity, forestry, property and leasing disputes, judicial review and public decision-making (including the use of AI by public entities), IT contracting, infrastructure, insolvency and debt recovery, and class actions. He has appeared before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He also has considerable experience in arbitration, and in alternative dispute resolution forums such as mediation.
Nick is known for his ability to simplify complex issues, and for his ability to provide clear advice. His clients say:
"Nick is a consummate professional who goes above and beyond to service client’s needs. Importantly he is responsive and above all, on your ‘team’. I can’t speak highly enough of Nick and the team that support him."
Prior to joining Simpson Grierson, Nick worked for Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy in London.
Nick is also an Adjunct Lecturer and Teaching Fellow at Victoria University’s Faculty of Law. He currently teaches the University’s compulsory course on the core skills of legal research, legal writing, legal analysis, and advocacy.
Work Highlights
Representing four major forestry industry bodies in proceedings challenging charges imposed by the Government on forestry participants in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Acting for a major healthcare provider in a number of on-going disputes with a government funder, including in respect of a refusal by the funder to pay approximately $6.5 million in amounts owed under a sector framework.
Acting for a major local authority in an arbitration brought against its former insurance broker. The claim - valued at more than $300 million - alleged that the broker had breached various contractual and tortious duties by obtaining an inadequate type of insurance cover.
Acting for a large regional authority in a wide-ranging dispute in respect of a major public infrastructure services contract.
Acting for a major educational institution in a multi party dispute regarding contributions and reinvestment obligations owed under a national infrastructure initiative.
Acting in a dispute with a renewable-energy developer regarding competing payment claims and contractual rights relating to grid connection works.
Advising an energy retailer in a dispute regarding pass-through transmission costs owed under an electricity distribution agreement.
Acting for a publicly-owned entity in a wide-ranging dispute regarding the quality of services provided by an IT company engaged to build and host an online platform.
Acting for the Fire Service in a successful appeal to the Supreme Court questioning the legality of insurance arrangements that sought to minimise a levy that would otherwise be payable under the Fire Service Act 1975.
Representing a corporate trustee company in proceedings before the Court of Appeal that successfully sought to reconcile competing statutory provisions as to the entitlements of KiwiSaver members upon bankruptcy.
