Russell van Hout - Construction & Commercial Dispute Lawyers

Russell | van Hout is a specialised law firm that focuses exclusively on commercial and construction disputes. The firm provides practical legal solutions with a results-driven approach, combining deep legal expertise with industry knowledge to help clients navigate complex disputes whilst minimising business disruption. With decades of combined experience across New Zealand, London, and Hong Kong, the team has built extensive construction expertise and commercial dispute resolution capabilities.

The firm handles a comprehensive range of construction disputes for owners, developers, consultants, civil construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and material suppliers. Their construction services include contract disputes, delays, defects, weathertightness issues, variations, extensions of time, retentions, and claims under the Construction Contracts Act. They also provide specialised construction contracts and 360-degree risk analysis programmes to help clients manage legal and material risks from project outset.

In commercial disputes, Russell | van Hout specialises in contract disputes, insolvency and debt recovery, banking and finance disputes, shareholder disputes, international disputes, and class actions. The firm has led groundbreaking class action cases in New Zealand, including winning first-of-their-kind decisions on opt-out and common fund orders. Their approach emphasises negotiated settlements where possible, but they are prepared to provide robust representation in arbitration, adjudication, and court proceedings across all levels of the New Zealand court system.