New partner moves to smaller firm

The insurance litigation partner has four decades’ experience in in-house and private practice

New partner moves to smaller firm

Keegan Alexander has gained a seasoned lawyer from a global firm.

The Auckland firm has welcomed Crossley Gates, who has joined the firm’s partnership from DLA Piper New Zealand.

Gates specialises in insurance law. The appointment adds another expert to the firm’s litigation partners group, which includes Peter Spring, Peter Napier, Frank Rose, and Sean McAnally. The firm’s other partners are Andrew Barrett and Matthew Pasley.

After graduating from Auckland University in 1977, Gates practiced civil and criminal litigation at Cairns Slane. He then joined New Zealand Insurance, spending 18 years at the company and eventually leading its legal department, which he helped build.

In 2002, Gates joined legacy Phillips Fox as a special counsel. He eventually became a general partner and then an equity partner as the firm morphed into DLA Piper New Zealand.

At the global firm, he focused on insurance law, with his practice servicing general, life, and health insurers, reinsurers, underwriting agents, and insurance brokers. He has extensive experience advising on Christchurch earthquake-related matters.


Crossley Gates