An experienced civil litigator, Steven has developed deep expertise in complex commercial disputes, regulatory investigations and inquiries.

Steven was admitted to the bar in New Zealand in 2012, has appeared as sole counsel in the District Court and High Court of New Zealand, and was the junior barrister to the former Solicitor-General of New Zealand. He now brings his experience to bear for clients across securities litigation and investigations, government inquiries, contractual disputes, regulatory enforcement and insolvency matters.

James Ruddell has a broad practice across the full spectrum of commercial disputes (including commercial litigation, banking and finance, civil fraud and international arbitration).

He has experience in complex High Court litigation, from pre-action advice and interim injunctions through to trial and appeals to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.  He has been instructed in some of the most substantial litigation before the English courts (including several of The Lawyer’s “Top 20” cases) and has particular recent experience in acting for and against foreign states (or state-related entities) and in significant civil fraud claims.

In arbitration, James has experience in disputes administered pursuant to LCIA, SIAC, and UNCITRAL rules, and in bringing arbitration claims before the Commercial Court. 

In addition to his work as part of a larger counsel team, he also acts as sole counsel in litigation/arbitration and has both trial and procedural/CMC advocacy experience.  

Paul Sills is a leading independent international arbitrator and mediator with over 27 years legal experience, often involving multi-parties and complex commercial issues.

Prior to becoming a full time neutral, Paul spent time as a CEO and Director for a number of international businesses including in international freight and transportation where his focus is on energy transition and ESG issues. Paul has also been the Managing Director of an international construction company.

He now specialises in long-term dispute resolution projects including facilitated negotiation, Dispute Avoidance Boards and Investor State mediation.

Sophie undertakes a wide range of commercial work in both litigation and arbitration. As well as acting as sole counsel, Sophie has experience of being led in substantial, complex and high-value litigation in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. She also has significant experience of international arbitrations (including but not limited to ICC rules) and sits as an arbitrator. She has also assisted with proceedings before the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) and the Singapore Court of Appeal (SCA).

Sophie has a particular expertise in jurisdiction and choice of law, having written her MPhil thesis on jurisdiction agreements under the supervision of Professor Adrian Briggs. She is fluent in German, French and Luxembourgish and has acted for both German and French clients and firms. She also has a good knowledge of Spanish. Sophie is a member of the Attorney General's C Panel of Counsel.