Dentons New Zealand is proud to announce that Hayden Wilson has been selected for Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer’s Law Firm Leaders of the Year 2025. This accolade highlights Hayden's exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the legal profession over the past 18 months. 

Hayden has established a reputation as a pragmatic advisor and leader. His business acumen and dynamism have a significant and positive impact on the Firm, clients, market, and profession. Hayden continues to drive strategies, key initiatives, and innovative ways to solve our clients’ most complex business challenges, showing his ability to meet our clients’ needs, wherever in the world they are. 

Hayden has been instrumental in driving the development and execution of Dentons New Zealand’s strategy, resulting in significant growth in revenue and talent at our Firm. As Chair of Dentons in New Zealand and Global Vice Chair of the Dentons Global Board, Hayden also chairs the Global Board’s Clients and Markets Committee, which leads the execution of the Firm’s strategy in this area.  

He is a champion of Diversity and Inclusion, plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of senior lawyers and is regularly asked to speak and present at many events, webinars, and presentations, always taking the time to share his knowledge and expertise. He brings vision, ambition and dedication to his roles and provides an inspiring leadership path for everyone to follow. 

Nick Park, Chair of Dentons Global Board, says, “As Global Vice Chair of Dentons, Hayden exemplifies the kind of leadership that is essential in today’s international legal environment. His deep cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to connect with people across diverse backgrounds set him apart as both a lawyer and a leader. Hayden’s skill in reading between the lines and identifying the root causes of issues ensures that he addresses problems at their core, rather than just treating the symptoms. His approach not only resolves challenges effectively but also fosters a culture of understanding and collaboration within our firm. Hayden’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his intuitive grasp of complex interpersonal dynamics make him an invaluable asset to our board, our firm, and the broader legal community.” 

Charles Spillane, Dentons New Zealand’s CEO, says, “Hayden leads by example and is completely committed to supporting our people to serve clients and grow our business. We believe he is deserving of this recognition as one of the Large Law Firm Leaders of the Year.” 

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