Richard Smedley
Consultant
Richard Smedley took several years out from his university studies to travel the world finding work in a variety of fields. This experience brings him a wealth of first-hand knowledge and understanding from the non-legal world to help clients achieve practical and commercial resolution of disputes. He is also able to communicate with and understand people from all walks of life.
His legal experience covers all aspects of civil litigation including representing clients in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, various tribunals, royal commissions and appearing in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal.
His areas of expertise include commercial debt collection, commercial litigation, insolvency, relationship property, construction law, private international law, the Fair Trading Act, estate litigation and protection of personal and property rights matters.
Key Transactions
Advised:
- A large commercial printer on contractual disputes and commercial debt collection.
- For Holcim New Zealand Limited on contractual disputes and commercial debt collection.
- Parties in relation to contracts using the New Zealand standard forms: NZS3910, NZS3915 and NZIA for construction and civil works.
- Extensively on the Construction Contracts Act 2002 including Payment Claim and Payment Schedule documentation and representing parties at adjudications.
- A large commercial printer on contractual disputes and commercial debt collection.
- New Zealand Windfarms Limited in a contractual dispute lasting nine years.
- And against liquidators and receivers.
- Banks in a wide range of commercial disputes.
- Leading a New Zealand retailer in a prosecution by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act.
- A Middle Eastern Bank to enforce a judgment obtained in Bahrain.
- Holcim New Zealand Limited on contractual disputes and commercial debt collection.
Credentials
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Canterbury
Admission to the Bar
New Zealand, 1999
Professional Memberships
New Zealand Law Society, Construction Law, Member
Directorships and Trusteeships
New Zealand Law Society Litigation Committee, Canterbury Westland Branch, Convener
