James Gurnick

James Gurnick enjoys seeing his clients succeed and is committed to providing excellent service, advice and representation.

James graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in 2003 and was admitted as barrister and solicitor in 2004. He began his career as a civil litigator and Crown prosecutor prosecuting serious criminal cases on behalf of the Crown and Government departments. James has also been a senior lawyer and for a time acting Deputy Public Defender for the Hamilton Public Defence Service.

Prior to moving to the independent bar in 2018, James worked as a senior litigator for a large commercial law firm involved in a wide range of civil, commercial and regulatory disputes.

 
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Career highlights

James has been involved in prosecuting and defending the full range of criminal offending including murder, manslaughter, serious fraud and serious sexual and drug offending.

James is also experienced in large scale civil disputes including mediations and arbitrations.

 

Recent Experience

James accepts instructions on a wide range of matters, including (but not limited to):

  • Criminal - all types of serious crime including murder, manslaughter, sexual offending, serious drugs, fraud (category 4 legal aid provider), proceeds of crime (under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 and Sentencing Act 2002)

  • Health and safety at work - Worksafe NZ prosecutions

  • Resource Management Act - Local Government prosecutions

  • Privacy and official information

  • Professional disciplinary proceedings

  • Coronial inquiries

  • Public and administrative (including judicial review)

  • Civil and commercial litigation

Contractual disputes

Property disputes (including landlord and tenant disputes)

Estates (including testamentary promises and family protection claims)

Personal and corporate insolvency, proceedings involving bankruptcy and liquidation

Company and shareholder disputes

Banking and finance

James is also a Member of the Abuse in Care Inquiry Legal Assistance Panel.