Ethics for Litigators - (CPD 1.5 hr)

John Billington KC

John graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a law degree.  He first commenced practice in a mid-sized litigation firm in Wellington where he later became the Senior Common Law Partner.

John joined the independent Bar in 1989 and took silk in 1996.

John has very wide experience in all forms of litigation and in particular in trial work where he has acted as senior counsel in a number of nationally significant cases.

Paul Collins

Paul has wide experience in areas of professional discipline and regulation in the legal profession. He has prosecuted numerous cases in the Disciplinary Tribunal and has appeared in the Senior Courts in cases involving discipline and regulation in the legal profession. He was a convenor of the National Standards Committee until his nine-year tenure expired and he continues to be involved in litigation and advisory work in relation to complaints and discipline. He is a contributing author to Professional Responsibility in New Zealand (LexisNexis) and was consulting editor for The Laws of New Zealand: Lawyers and Conveyancers.

Michael Robertson

Michael is one of New Zealand’s leading insurance litigation lawyers. He has practised in insurance law since 1988 and over that period of time has acted for most of the New Zealand insurer and managing general agencies, brokers and a broad range of international insurers, including numerous Lloyd’s Syndicates.  Michael specialises in professional indemnity, general liability and directors and officers insurance, with a particular focus on claims against lawyers, accountants and construction professionals and defending regulatory claims.  He has a wealth of experience drafting and advising on all types of insurance policies, including complex combined liability policies, and bespoke policies and endorsements. He provides risk management services and claims resolution advice across a wide range of professions and industries.  

Michael has a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law with first class honours majoring in insurance.  He frequently presents to professional groups, insurers and brokers.  Michael is also an associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand.  Michael is ranked as an Asia Pacific “Hall of Fame” lawyer in Legal 500.

Garry Williams (Chair)

Garry Williams is a very experienced civil and commercial litigator with a practice focused on trial and appellate advocacy. He has particular expertise in intellectual property, media law, and trusts and estates litigation.

He started his career at Russell McVeagh in 1992 and in 1997, travelled to the UK where he worked for Nabarro Nathanson and then Olswang – two leading UK firms. In 2003 Garry returned to NZ and joined Bell Gully litigation department until he moved to the independent Bar in 2014.

Garry is on the Faculty of the NZLS Litigation Skills Programme and is a member of the Advocacy and Education Committees of the New Zealand Bar Association.