Top Legal Services Companies in New-Zealand

The legal services industry is a vital sector in New Zealand, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and employment. In 2022, the industry contributed NZD 3.9 billion to the country's GDP, up from NZD 3.6 billion in 2021. The industry also witnessed a 2% increase in employment, with over 17,000 people working in the sector. In this article, we will examine the key statistics and growth factors of the legal services industry in New Zealand, along with its challenges and future outlook.

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CompanyHeadcountContactDescriptionDecision Maker
CLAYTON UTZ1,749 +61 3 9286 6000

A reputation for standing out. And for being outstanding. For over 180 years, our confident approach to complex transactions and litigation has seen us grow into Australia’s leading independent law firm.With a genuine commitment to client service, we are trusted advisers to a range of government departments and agencies, as well as leading Australian and international corporations.We offer the sharpest legal minds. The clearest advice. And an unshakeable sense of what’s possible.We have a substantial commitment to making the legal system accessible, through our Pro Bono practice, and are actively involved in our community through our Community Connect program.

K&L GATES4,745 +65 6507 8100

At K&L Gates, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment across our fully integrated global platform that enables us to diligently combine the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers and policy professionals to create teams that provide exceptional client solutions. We marry process with vision, success with dedication, method with passion, and innovation with creativity. The outcome: The K&L Gates Experience. Located across five continents, we represent a broad array of leading global corporations in every major industry, capital markets participants, and ambitious middle-market and emerging growth companies. We also serve public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations, and individuals. Our lawyers counsel clients on their most sophisticated legal challenges in all areas of corporate and regulatory law as well as litigation.We are leaders in legal issues relating to industries critical to the economies of both the developed and developing worlds—technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and life sciences, among others.#KLGates

BUDDLE FINDLAY330 +64 9 358 2055

Buddle Findlay is progressive, well respected and at the forefront of the legal profession. We have an open and approachable client-focused culture, with a determination to continually provide the highest quality of service. Buddle Findlay’s experienced partnership brings an energy and enthusiasm to New Zealand’s legal market. Its practical approach has made it a valued strategic adviser to its clients with an ability to provide balanced advice within a broader commercial context.Buddle Findlay is one of New Zealand’s leading commercial and public law firms with offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The firm has a total of 180 lawyers, including 46 partners and, with support staff, a total workforce of approximately 270 people. Our origins date back over 120 years, to the earliest days of legal practice in New Zealand.Buddle Findlay provides the full range of services to the corporate and public sector. Clients include national and multinational corporations, private equity and venture capital funds, banks and financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, government departments, and local and other statutory authorities. Buddle Findlay also has strong links with law firms in Australia, the United Kingdom, United States of America and Asia.

HICKSONS LAWYERS225 +61 2 9293 5311

Established in 1952, Hicksons is a commercial law firm with offices throughout Australia. We have created and maintained ongoing client relationships within Australia and Asia. We deliver extensive knowledge across a range of sectors and services, including traditional legal services and a fresh focus on business advisory. Our longstanding relationships with private and public sector clients is attained from our dedicated, energetic and creative professionals who are committed to your success. Providing you with quality advice, cost-conscious options and strategic legal solutions, we passionately represent your interests – creating sustainable value.

HAMILTON LOCKE190 +61 2 4038 1620

Hamilton Locke is an international law firm focused on evolving the traditional approach to corporate and commercial legal services. We advise clients across Australia and New Zealand, and we have been recognised as Australia’s fastest growing law firm.We react quickly to change, we provide exceptional service, we find creative solutions, and deliver smart advice.Our specialist areas of expertise include corporate M&A and private equity, capital markets, funds and financial services, property, litigation dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, finance, workplace and employment, and intellectual property and technology. We have experience in a broad spectrum of industry sectors, including agribusiness, financial services, new energy, carbon, real estate, natural resources, technology, and health, care and education.Hamilton Locke is part of HPX Group which is also the holding company of in-house style essential professional services firm, Source. HPX Group delivers essential professional services across legal, governance, risk and compliance, helping businesses grow and thrive.Powerful Together: We know our clients need flexibility, the highest quality service and an unmatched depth of experience to do their best work. Together with Source, we provide the most practical and effective professional services on the market, no matter your business size or need. Highly regarded for their commercially-minded approach, Source offers a full suite of in-house style essential professional services.

HALL & WILCOX927 +61 3 9603 3556

If you want same old, same old – we are not your firmHall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm. We are a firm of around 1000 people delivering outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia.Our purpose is to enable our clients, our people and our communities to thrive. Our success depends upon the success of our clients, our people, and the communities in which we live.We’re renowned for our Smarter Law approach. Smarter Law means we look beyond the status quo to think differently and find solutions that are better, faster and cheaper. Smarter Law includes enabling technology, challenging business models, innovative pricing and creative resourcing.We work with clients across sectors who lead, challenge and reshape their own industries. We build strong and enduring client relationships. Clients tell us they value our commerciality, our responsive and personal service and our interest in their business and industry.Our collegial culture, shaped by our Hallmarks, guides the way everyone at Hall & Wilcox works every day.Our commitment to contributing to our communities is embedded in our firm culture. We deliver this through a range of areas, including our substantial pro bono work, community initiatives and partnerships, sustainable environmental and supply chain practices and our Emerging Artists Program.

KENNEDYS2,323 +65 6436 4300

Kennedys is a global law firm with expertise in litigation/dispute resolution and advisory services, particularly in the insurance/reinsurance and liability sectors. With over 2,150 people worldwide across 41 offices in the UK and Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas, we have some of the most respected legal minds in their fields.We act for insurers, reinsurers, Lloyd’s Syndicates, public bodies and corporates. Our deep sector knowledge means that we understand the impact of proposed regulations and advise our clients on the implications this will have on their business. Every day we make a difference for our clients.For regular updates and news from our LATAM and Caribbean jurisdictions, follow our Kennedys Latin America and Caribbean account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kennedys-latin-america-&-caribbean

SPRUSON & FERGUSON321 +65 6333 7200

Spruson & Ferguson is a leading provider of intellectual property (IP) services across the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 400 staff working from our offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Singapore and Sydney.We have been providing expert representation in all aspects of IP since 1887. Our long history has allowed us to build robust infrastructure, supported by sophisticated systems and highly skilled and experienced teams.Spruson & Ferguson provides a comprehensive range of services for the protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management of all forms of intellectual property including patents, trademarks and designs.Our team of IP professionals combine outstanding academic credentials with a wealth of technical and industry experience to ensure that our clients receive thorough, technically accurate and commercially relevant advice.Our clients range from entrepreneurial and emerging growth businesses to Fortune 500 companies and public sector research organisations, across all industries.As a firm, we are committed to providing solutions tailored to the individual needs of each client and delivering value and excellence in every aspect of our service.Spruson & Ferguson companies are members of the IPH Ltd group.For more information about members of the IPH group please visit https://www.iphltd.com.au/about-iph/”

MINTERELLISONRUDDWATTS332 +64 9 353 9700

We are a top tier New Zealand full-service law firm known for our excellence, innovation, and specialism. We will work alongside your team to give a one-off opinion or to assist on a regular basis.Our practice includes corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, competition and regulatory issues, finance, real estate, dispute resolution, public law, employment, intellectual property, and taxation. Our teams collaborate to bring our best and brightest skills to bear for the benefit of clients across key industry sectors including Infrastructure, Government, Health, Banking and Financial Services, Managed Funds, Technology, TMT, and Energy & Resource sectors.The firm also provides a seamless, integrated approach for clients in the Asia-Pacific region and more globally. As a member of the Minter Ellison Legal Group, you have access to one of the largest full-service legal groups in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 290 partners and 900 legal staff worldwide in offices in Auckland and Wellington, Australia, Asia, and the UK. You’ll be able to hand-pick a team of legal experts that fit your business.Our ‘one team’ philosophy means we look at your whole business. So, the legal advice we give you is right for your entire operation.Delivering value through listening to our clients, caring about their business and delivering technically excellent solutions and innovative advice for our clients is at the heart of what we do.

AJ PARK171 +64 4 472 3358

We are the intellectual property (IP) firm of choice for global companies seeking the best IP advice and solutions. Acting for a large number of innovative Australasian companies and almost a third of global Fortune 500 companies with IP interests in the region, we are the IP firm of choice for providing the best IP solutions. To find out more, visit our website at www.ajpark.com. AJ Park is a member of the IPH Limited group. For more information about members of the IPH group, please visit www.iphltd.com.au/about-iph/.

LOD609 +65 6326 0200

We help legal leaders build teams their businesses love – strategic, responsive and ready for anything.With our world-class people, services and tech, we help them supercharge their output without the burnout.We help them deal with today’s challenges, plan for tomorrow and make their ideas for the future happen.At the same time, we help legal professionals, who don’t want to deal with office politics and scraping by on your annual leave, practise law more flexibly and happily.

BAKER MCKENZIE11,767 +65 8134 6140

Integrated legal solutions to complex business challenges.The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law. A connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk. Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice underpinned by deep practice, sector expertise, and first-rate local market knowledge. Armed with Baker McKenzies insight and foresight, business leaders can feel confident driving sustainable – and inclusive growth.Learn more: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/expertise/solutions-connected-worldContent may include attorney advertising.

ALLENS1,975 +65 6535 4855

Allens is a leading international law firm with a long and proud heritage of shaping the future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. From playing a pioneering role in the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks in the Asia region for 200 years, to acting on numerous firsts across a range of industry and community issues, it is in our DNA to make a difference and help shape what our world looks like. Over this time, weve grown in scale and reach, today offering clients a global network of 41 offices in 26 countries through our global alliance with Linklaters. We are privileged to hold some of the worlds longest ongoing client relationships, stretching back more than 170 years. Now, just as it has always been, were committed to bringing our talent, expertise and insights to continue solving their toughest problems and creating ways forward to help them thrive. New and exciting market entrants sit alongside these established companies in our client base, drawn to working with us through the innovative re-packaging of our services for the growing and fast paced startup market.

ALLEN & OVERY7,720 +65 6671 6000

Allen & Overy is a global law firm that helps the world’s leading businesses to grow, innovate and thrive. For almost a century, we have built a reputation for our commitment to think ahead and bring original solutions to our clients’ most complex legal and commercial challenges. At a time of significant turbulence in the business world, we are determined to help our clients embrace change, confidently expand into new markets and keep on top of ever-more complicated regulatory frameworks.To do this, we will harness our global strength and local knowledge. We will drive towards our vision to become the worlds most innovative law firm. And we will continue to create an environment where the brightest minds can flourish.Content on this page is general information only and not advice allenovery.com/terms

CLIFFORD CHANCE7,789 +65 6410 2271

We are one of the worlds largest law firms with significant depth and range of resources across five continents. As a single, fully integrated, global partnership, we pride ourselves on our approachable, collegiate and team based way of working.We always strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, which include corporates from all the commercial and industrial sectors, governments, regulators, trade bodies and not for profit organisations. We provide them with the highest quality advice and legal insight, which combines the Firms global standards with in-depth local expertise.Many of the worlds leading organisations look to Clifford Chance not just for legal expertise but for advice on business critical issues.

BIRD & BIRD3,134 +65 6534 5266

Bird & Bird is an international law firm with a focus on helping organisations being changed by technology and the digital world. With over 1400 lawyers in 31 offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, were ready to help you wherever you are in the world.If youd like to know more about the type of work we do for our clients, please take a look at the relevant sector or practice page for industry news, know-how, and relevant contacts: https://www.twobirds.com/en/insightsIf youd like know more about how we work with our clients, please take a look over at our Client Solutions page.Find out more about us at: https://www.twobirds.com/en/about/about-us-video

SIMPSON GRIERSON376 +64 9 358 2222

Simpson Grierson is one of New Zealands leading full service commercial law firms, and also one of the largest. Invested in your future. It’s a promise we make to our people, our clients, and New Zealand. Put simply, it means our best future is in helping you shape yours. Supporting your success, creating great outcomes, and investing in long-term relationships.We invest in our people, and are determined to make Simpson Grierson one of the best places to work, learn and grow.Our supportive culture empowers people to thrive and succeed. Working with us means you get to shape the way you work, maintain wellness and balance, and benefit from our sector-leading learning and development programme. We invest in our clients, earning trust through exceptional service, open communication, and helping them to grow and succeed.We shape our service around specific client needs, delivering commercially-savvy legal advice while solving problems and anticipating others. Having us in your corner means having the confidence to get on with what you do best. We invest in New Zealand, helping to make this country one of the best places in the world to live and work.We advocate on key issues and support New Zealand’s decision makers in promoting the wellbeing of our communities. Our community programme seeks out partnerships and pro-bono projects that create opportunities to give back and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

DUNCAN COTTERILL318 +64 3 428 2050

We are an enterprising business who has taken opportunities when they arise. It’s this enterprising attitude that’s led us to set up and grow offices in five distinct markets, with offices in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown. Its helped us to build an energetic, diverse and collegial partnership and it’s what’s attracted enterprising companies and organisations to work with us time after time.If you want to work with lawyers who show initiative and resourcefulness, wed love to hear from you.

RUSSELL MCVEAGH370 +64 9 367 8000

Russell McVeagh is a leading New Zealand law firm, known as the go-to team for tackling complex legal problems. As a full-service commercial firm, we employ over 320 people across our Auckland and Wellington offices, and offer our clients a collaborative, seamless approach. Supporting a wide range of clients, we draw on our expertise across the full spectrum of corporate advisory, banking and finance, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate and construction, tax, public law and environmental law. Whether you are a major corporate, regulator, investor, public sector, or non-profit organisation, we listen and take the time to develop a deep understanding of our clients ambitions. We adapt to our clients preferred ways of working and always seek to find solutions that align with their culture and values, and strategic goals. Above all, we aim to provide pragmatic and clear advice.Our firms values of Manaaki | Respect, Whai hiranga | Excellence, Māhirahira | Curiosity, and Whakapau kaha |Tenacity, are at the heart of our culture and reflect who we are, what we stand for and how we work together.

LAWPATH65 +61 1800 529 728

Lawpath is Australias largest online legal platform for businesses and individuals.We provide technology powered legal services at a fraction of the time, cost and complexity of the traditional system.More than 300,000 Australians have used Lawpath to start a business, access legal documents, sign their documents online, and hire a lawyer from Australias largest lawyer marketplace.Sign up for a free account here - https://lawpath.com.au/

Top Legal Services Companies in New-Zealand

Factors Contributing to Growth and Success

The New Zealand government has been proactive in supporting the growth of the legal services industry. The government has implemented measures to promote access to justice, including legal aid for those who cannot afford legal representation. The government has also introduced legislation to address issues such as cybersecurity and intellectual property, creating opportunities for legal services providers.

The growth of the legal services industry can also be attributed to the increasing demand for legal services in New Zealand. The growing complexity of legal issues and the increasing number of businesses in the country are driving demand for legal services. The industry is also witnessing growth in areas such as dispute resolution, intellectual property, and environmental law.

Industry Growth and Comparison to Previous Years

The legal services industry in New Zealand has witnessed consistent growth over the years. According to a report by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the industry's contribution to the country's GDP increased from NZD 3.1 billion in 2017 to NZD 3.9 billion in 2022. The number of people employed in the sector also increased from 15,000 in 2017 to over 17,000 in 2022.

Key Trends

Technological Disruptions:

The legal services industry in New Zealand is witnessing technological disruptions driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing. These technologies are changing the way legal services are delivered, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth in the industry.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important in the legal services industry in New Zealand. With the growing complexity of legal issues, collaboration among legal services providers, businesses, and government agencies can help improve the quality of legal services and enhance access to justice.

Challenges

Competition:

The legal services industry in New Zealand is facing increasing competition, with the emergence of new players such as online legal service providers and accounting firms offering legal services. The competition can make it challenging for traditional legal services providers to remain competitive and differentiate themselves in the market.

Cost Pressures:

The legal services industry in New Zealand is facing increasing cost pressures, including rising salaries, rent, and compliance costs. These increasing costs can make it challenging for legal services providers to remain profitable, particularly in the face of competition from lower-cost providers.

Future Outlook

The legal services industry in New Zealand has a promising future, driven by increasing demand for legal services and emerging trends such as technological disruptions and collaboration. Government initiatives, industry growth, and technological disruptions are likely to contribute to the industry's success. According to a report by IBISWorld, the legal services industry in New Zealand is forecast to grow at an annualized rate of 2.4% over the next five years.

To address the challenges of competition and cost pressures, the legal services industry needs to focus on innovation and differentiation. Collaboration among legal services providers can help reduce costs and improve service quality, while investment in research and development can help drive innovation and keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Additionally, the industry should also focus on developing a skilled workforce, including investing in training and education programs to attract and retain skilled lawyers and support staff.

The industry should also prioritize efficiency and improve its use of technology. With the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective legal services, consumers are becoming more receptive to technology-enabled solutions such as online legal services and automation. The legal services industry needs to adopt new technologies and processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs while also maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legal services industry in New Zealand is a growing sector with promising future prospects. Government initiatives, industry growth, and technological disruptions have contributed to the industry's success, but the industry still faces challenges such as increasing competition and cost pressures. The industry's future success will depend on its ability to innovate, collaborate, adopt new technologies, and meet the changing needs of consumers. With a proactive approach and investments in research and development, education and training, and technology adoption, the legal services industry in New Zealand can continue to grow and contribute significantly to the country's economy.

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By Melissa Goh
Published on 25 May 2023