Expertise
Dispute resolution
Dispute resolution specialists you can trust
Disputes can be disruptive, stressful, and costly – but with the right legal advice they can be managed and resolved effectively. Bringing our lengthy experience in dispute resolution, Ford Sumner will work closely with you to first fully understand the issues and context, and then to provide clear, practical advice on the best way forward.
Whether the right approach for your dispute is mediation, arbitration, or litigating it through the courts, we help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimising risks and unnecessary costs.
Our dispute resolution services
Our seasoned team bring experience in all kinds of dispute resolution processes.
Litigation
When disputes require a formal legal process, our litigation team will be strong advocates for you, bringing a focused legal strategy to protect your interests.
Mediation
Mediation is a more cost-effective and less adversarial alternative to going to court. We will guide you through the mediation process and help you reach a workable agreement through skilled negotiation.
Arbitration
When privacy, efficiency, and finality are important, we will provide expert representation for our clients through the arbitration process.
Avoiding potential problems
We provide proactive legal advice to help clients look ahead and address potential problems before they arise or escalate.
Facing a contractual dispute, an employment problem, or an internal business disagreement? Our dispute resolution team is ready to support you with the expertise and clear guidance you need. Our team includes lawyers specialising in employment law, corporate law and governance, and commercial disputes.
Meet the team
Led by Ford Sumner Partner Jaesen Sumner, our dispute resolution team combines strong legal expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
Jaesen Sumner
Paul Gillespie
Nikita Govind
Boyang Bao
Christian Tucker
Emma Jackson
How to Get Started
If you’re facing a dispute or need legal advice to prevent one, speak with our team of dispute resolution specialists. We’ll begin with an initial consultation to understand the nature of the issue, assess your options, and recommend a path forward — whether that involves litigation, mediation, or another solution.
Contact Ford Sumner today to find out how our tailored legal services can help you resolve your dispute with confidence.
News and insights
Dispute Resolution: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
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