Doyle’s 2026 New Zealand legal rankings highlight a market defined by two leading chambers, uneven regional participation, and smaller firms outperforming expectations. The rankings rely on peer and client evaluations rather than self-reported submissions, revealing realities that differ from industry marketing. Behind standard promotional claims, the data shows heavy concentration in Auckland, uneven regional representation, and a legal profession split between two dominant chambers.
Commercial Litigation: Controlled by Two Chambers
Shortland Chambers and Bankside Chambers dominate commercial litigation, together securing over half of all ranked King’s Counsel positions. Shortland holds five of the top-tier silks, including David Cooper KC, Jenny Cooper KC, and Stephen Hunter KC. Bankside follows with Jason Goodall KC and Davey Salmon KC in the same category.
Wellington’s Thorndon Chambers and Stout Street Chambers each contribute only two Leading silks, widening the gap. Bankside leads in junior counsel rankings with ten entries, while Shortland lists six. Jack Hodder KC appears on both Shortland’s and Thorndon’s lists, reflecting shared memberships that challenge geographic categorization.
Among solicitors, Bell Gully and Russell McVeagh anchor the First Tier, while mid-sized firms like Gilbert Walker and Lindsay Francis & Mangan share the Third Tier alongside larger competitors. The firm’s Kim Francis and Tim Lindsay both rank as Leading solicitors, a notable achievement for a practice outside Auckland’s elite group.
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This dominance reflects deliberate strategy. Shortland’s public statements avoid tier distinctions, while Bankside emphasizes its junior counsel numbers—a subtle but deliberate contrast in messaging. The Auckland bar remains the power center, with Wellington and regional firms trailing.
Environment & Resource Management: Wider Reach, But Still Uneven
The environment and resource management (RMA) rankings show broader geographic distribution, though Auckland remains dominant. Bronwyn Carruthers KC (Shortland) and Bal Matheson KC (Richmond) lead the Preeminent silks, joined by Sally Gepp KC and Russell Bartlett KC in the Recommended tier. Junior barristers Andrew Beatson (Richmond) and Lachlan Muldowney (Panama Square) also rank Preeminent.
For solicitors, Douglas Allan (Ellis Gould) and Allison Arthur-Young (Russell McVeagh) top the First Tier, with Russell McVeagh and Simpson Grierson sharing that ranking. The South Island gains visibility: Anderson Lloyd reaches the Second Tier, while Jo Appleyard (Christchurch) and Maree Baker-Galloway (Queenstown) rank Leading. Simpson Grierson’s Sarah Scott (Christchurch) and Lane Neave (Queenstown) also earn Recommended spots.
