Track record | Testimonials
Some Court decisions:
Representing as counsel the successful respondent in a High Court appeal:
Li v Chen [2018] NZHC 2843Representing as counsel the successful respondent to a discovery application in ongoing litigation involving an insurance brokerage and departing brokers:
Haven Insurance v Lombard [2018] NZHC 2421Representing as counsel the unsuccessful respondent in respect of an application to remove a caveat:
P v P [2018] NZHC 185Representing as counsel the successful respondent in a High Court appeal:
Karmarkar v Manda [2018] NZHC 2081Representing as counsel the successful respondent in a District Court summary judgment application:
Green v Green [2018] NZDC 3780Representing as counsel the successful respondent to an application for special leave to the Court of Appeal:
Karmarkar v Manda.Representing as counsel the successful plaintiff in a civil High Court trial claiming declaratory relief with respect to property: Franklyn v Green [2019] NZHC 2632.
Representing as counsel the non party in a contested non party discovery application in a civil proceeding: Golden Grand Trading Limited v Green Traders Ltd & Anor [2019] NZHC 2193
Representing as counsel the unsuccessful appellant in an appeal to the High Court from a civil District Court decision: Harvey v Tasman District Council [2019] NZHC 2025.
Show-cause hearing under the Administration Act 1969: Jones v Jones [2022] NZHC 2050 [18 August 2022]. (Successful, uncontested.)
Successful application to remove covenant: Latter v Bong [2022] NZHC 20 [14 January 2022]
Court of Appeal application for leave to appeal: O’Neill v Malcouronne [2021] NZCA 556 [21 October 2021], successful.
High Court appeal from District Court decision under Harassment Act 1993: Malcouronne v O’Neill [2021] NZHC 641, successful.
Successfuly obtaining interim injunction in High Court: Na’amanu v Morisa [2023] NZHC 3599 [8 December 2023].
Marr v Mills [2021] NZCA 505 [4 October 2021], unsuccessful application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Interesting GST case.
Selected recent work and settlements/ outcomes:
Settlement of commercial claim at mediation for client-claimant (December 2023). The case concerned the form of manufacturing of certain materials.
Settlement of claim of breach of professional duty at mediation for client-claimant (October 2023).
Settlement of Family Protection Act claim at a negotiation meeting for client-claimant (September 2023).
Settlement of claim against client-defendant with respect to alleged liability under agreement for sale and purchase of property (June-July 2023).
Settlement of arbitration proceeding concerning contributions to purchase of property (June 2023).
Settlement at mediation of complex relationship property dispute (March 2023).
Settlement of Family Protection Act claim at a negotiation meeting for client-claimant (February 2022).
Settlement by negotiation of complex case concerning an application to the High Court to sustain a land covenant (October 2022).
Acting for successful spouse-party in a relationship property arbitration concerning the right to purchase family home (July 2021).
Negotiating 100% settlement of disputed entitlement under life insurance policy in respect of a disputed trauma claim, with a NZ insurer (recovery: approximately $850,000)
Negotiating 100% settlement of disputed entitlement under life insurance policy with a NZ life insurer (recovery: approximately $100,000)
Successful defence of a solicitor facing a NZLS complaint to a local standards committee
Successful appeal to the Legal Complaints Review Officer (“LCRO”) for a solicitor in respect of a NZLS complaint
Negotiated commercial outcome in respect of a claim arising out of fire damage to a property, dealing with the at-fault party’s insurers after the commencement of proceedings
Negotiated settlement of approximately $400,000 in a relationship property context—in a relationship of short duration
Providing advice to an insurance brokerage and its client in respect of insurance issues arising out of a significant fire at a commercial property resulting in material damage and business interruption issues
Providing advice to an insurance brokerage and its client in respect of insurance issues arising out of a product recall
Providing independent legal advice in respect of relationship property agreements
Providing independent legal advice to an accounting professional in respect of a professional indemnity claim, where there were insured and uninsured components
Acting as counsel in respect of a shareholder dispute, resolving the claim at mediation
Acting as counsel in completed litigation involving a brokerage and departing insurance brokers/ financial advisers
Negotiating 100% settlement of entitlement under a motor vehicle policy
Legal work and litigation in particular is complex and difficult. After about twenty years of practice, I have been involved in cases where things have not gone to plan, and people have been unhappy. When you engage a barrister, it is wise to seek balanced information about that person’s track record and experience. That means not focussing solely on the cases that have gone entirely to plan. I am happy to have that discussion with you, as any good, experienced, lawyer should be.
Testimonials
Steve exactly knows what he does and what he brings to the table to his clients. Steve has been more than a legal matter expert to me in last 3 years. He was a true friend, mentor and always wished the best for me. My needs were put in front vs financial expectations and I felt really looked after. I really recommend Steve if you after great results!
—VB, client, May 2023
"Getting Steve’s assistance was invaluable. His submissions were clear and succinct and were key to obtaining a favourable outcome. Thanks Steve for your assistance. You really helped put the matter in perspective. Your words of wisdom were key to maintaining my sanity."
— JH, solicitor, 2018
"I was in need of advice as to a direction on a somewhat involved a historic legal matter involving negligence by a conveyancing lawyer. I had few options, but when I contacted Steve, I found him both communicative and forthright. Overall, I was impressed with his very detailed advice and practical approach as to how to bring about proceedings in the relevant Tribunal; his strategies for presenting the case assisted me greatly and resulted in a win at the high end of the jurisdiction limit. I would strongly recommend him."
— Ian P., lay-client, 2018
"I have been referring clients to Steve Keall for several years now, with successful outcomes. Some of the clients I have referred to Steve have been involved in litigation and others have been seeking to avoid it. I have always been impressed by Steve’s knowledge, competence, and enthusiasm; his strategic and technical advice and skills have been invaluable. I highly recommend Steve to other instructing solicitors and their clients."
— Sue Stodart, solicitor, 2018
Steve is one of the most erudite, energetic, resourceful and decisive barristers I have had a pleasure of working with. The clients of our firm always get delivered a combination of critical thinking, sound judgment and advancement of their cases, through quality advice and advocacy, when Steve is onboard.
— Doug Cowan, solicitor, 2018
Steve represented me on my case better than I could have ever imagined. His approach was highly professional and responsive. Steve is quite receptive, not only he kept me informed throughout the process but also valued my opinions and reassured my doubts always.
Steve is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and competent. Within weeks Steve not only managed to get a resolution on my case but also was able to obtain a refund from the other party on my case expenses.
My needs were put first and I was treated as a friend rather than a case file. Highly recommended if you want results!
— Raj Natarajan, 2019