Palmerston North crown prosecutor Ben Vanderkolk has been granted a fellowship by the Arbitrator’s and Mediator’s Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ), the highest credentialed status membership of the organisation.
The Manawatu lawyer’s feat comes as his firm, BVA | The Practice, has adapted a new name and look and has moved towards a new direction, including arbitration and mediation.
Vanderkolk said in his new role, he will draw on his experience in public sector governance, commercial and employment law and crown prosecution.
As Palmerston North’s Crown Prosecutor, Vanderkolk led high-profile New Zealand trials. He is also currently the
New Zealand Law Society Manawatu branch President.
“I believe I offer a fresh alternative in the conduct of arbitrations and mediations,” said Vanderkolk, who also noted his experience in public sector governance, commercial background complimented by relationship property employment, employment and Crown Prosecution.
As a Crown Prosecutor, the Palmerston North-based Vanderkolk, who is also currently the New Zealand Law Society Manawatu branch President, led high-profile New Zealand trials.
To be admitted as a Fellow, Vanderkolk had to successfully complete the AMINZ Fellowship Programme that consists of an interview, one-day seminar, two written examinations and a final one-day practical examination.
Noting that there is a need for diversity and contemporary thinking within the alternative dispute resolution field through arbitration and mediation, Vanderkolk’s BVA | The Practice said it will use its multi-disciplinary experience to help the parties and their advisers approach a hearing with a more well-rounded perspective.
Furthermore, the firm said that this experience equips them to manage case nuances, including understanding possible outcomes if cases go to court and the impact of experts.
