Dentons in New Zealand has once again been recognised in the 2025 edition of The Legal 500’s Asia Pacific guide. The firm is ranked in 13 practice areas, and 14 of our lawyers are also individually ranked. 

The firm is also proud to be recognised by The Legal 500 as one of New Zealand’s leading law firms for “Client Satisfaction”. This achievement comes from client testimonials and surveys acknowledging the consistent high standard of service and experience they receive from Dentons. 

Achieving the “Client Satisfaction” recognition ahead of the other New Zealand law firms reflects our commitment to delivering an unbeatable client experience. 

We would also like to congratulate Paul Buetow for his new 2025 rankings as “Leading Partner” for Real Estate and Construction. Paul is also ranked as a “Leading Partner” for Projects and Resource Management (including environment) category. 

Charlotte Parkhill has also achieved a new ranking as “Leading Partner” for 2025 in the Labour and Employment category. Clients commented: “What I like about Charlotte Parkhill's approach is that it is clear and to the point, well backed up through case law and her vast experience, and I am able to talk through options with her and how they will work in my business context”.

2024 rankings

Ranked practices

• Banking and Finance
• Construction
• Corporate and M&A
• Data Protection and Cyber Security
• Dispute Resolution
• Intellectual Property
• Investment Funds
• Labour and Employment
• Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• Real Estate
• Restructuring and Insolvency
• TMT
• Transport (rail, road, air and sea)

Hall of Fame 

• David Shillson - Corporate and M&A

Leading Partners

• Matthew Ockleston - Real Estate and Construction; Transport (rail, road, air and sea)
• Ish Fraser - Real Estate and Construction
• Paul Buetow - Real Estate and Construction; Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• Hayden Wilson - Dispute Resolution
• Jenni Rutter - Intellectual Property
• Catriona Grover - Investment Funds
• David Ireland - Investment Funds
• Charlotte Parkhill - Labour and Employment
• Nicky McIndoe - Projects and Resource Management (including environment)
• James McMillan - Restructuring and Insolvency
• Hayley Miller - TMT

Next Generation Partners

• James Warren - Labour and Employment
• Renee Butler - Labour and Employment

Congratulations to all of our ranked lawyers and to all members of the practice areas highlighted in the 2025 rankings. The complete list of Dentons New Zealand’s Legal 500 Asia Pacific practice and individual rankings, and the related editorial commentary can be accessed here.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com