recognised leaders in the development of the law of negligence

 

 

Paul was admitted to the bar in 1985 and graduated from the University of Otago in 1986. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1991

He joined a large Wellington law firm before practicing in England for three years.

Paul started working for the predecessor of the firm in 1997.  In 2013 he became a partner.

Paul has considerable experience in the litigation and insurance arenas and regularly appears in the Weathertight Homes Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.

He has particular expertise in resolving claims involving flooding, nuisance, planning issues, allegations of negligence when inspecting buildings and disputes involving financial advisers and insurance brokers. He regularly advises on coverage under policies of insurance.

In addition to his extensive common law experience in relation to commercial disputes, Paul heads the firm’s employment liability team. He advises employers in relation to disputes with employees and general employment relations issues. Paul acts on behalf of the insurers of most schools in New Zealand as well as for societies and clubs, health professionals, solicitors and other employers.

“A calming and professional approach to resolving an issue in a timely and economic way. Thank you for your assistance Paul; much appreciated.”

Bill Littlejohn
Financial Analyst/Massey University

“For HCC Paul has worked on most of our cases over the last 10 years as the primary partner and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have him with his wealth of knowledge and expertise looking after our interests.”

Phil Saunders
Principal Building Advisor | Building Control/Hamilton City Council

“I have always been impressed by Paul’s patience, professional manner and integrity in dealing with claimants, experts and often very angry people. He always works towards settling a claim as early as possible with the best outcome for his client.
I would recommend Paul to anyone looking for the consummate expert acting for Councils in terms of weathertightness claims.”

Phil Saunders
Principal Building Advisor | Building Control/Hamilton City Council

Latest Work

February 28 2024
SO BY HIS LITIGATION GUARDIAN V DRUMM & WILLIAMS (HC)

The High Court rejected an application by a supporter of several students to be their ‘litigation guardian’ in this High Court decision.

February 21 2024
A BRIDGE TOO FAR?

In this article we examine a recent determination of MBIE. 

December 19 2023
CULLEN V PA'U & ANOR (HC)

We successfully acted for the School Board in a case where the High Court upheld the school's decision to issue a trespass notice against a supporter of a student. 

July 15 2021
FORD V BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR SMITH PRIMARY SCHOOL (CA)

Paul acted for the school board in this case where the Court had to determine whether the school could withdraw offers of places to students from out of zone if there were no places for them.

July 1 2019
EMPLOYER WINS!

An employer must have genuine reasons based on reasonable grounds for proposing a fixed term arrangement. Paul Robertson considers a recent case.

June 13 2019
NINETY DAYS AND YOU ARE OUT

The Employment Relations Authority recently took a tough approach when a teacher delayed too long before raising a personal grievance.

April 15 2019
MANDATORY REPORTING

Does a requirement to report a dismissal or resignation to a professional body override the full and final nature of a record of settlement?

February 21 2019
BOINZ WAIKATO / BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH TRAINING 22/02/19

Council officers expose their councils to liability for what they do and what they say. 

January 29 2019
CLAIMS FOR LOST SALARY - HOW MUCH?

When awards for unjustified dismissal take loss of salary into account, employers may end up paying a substantial amount, Paul Robertson warns.