The new partner works with the firm’s construction and major projects group
Projects expert Katrina Van Houtte has been promoted to Dentons Kensington Swan’s partnership.
Van Houtte is working with the firm’s construction and major projects group, which consists of five partners. She has over 10 years of experience in construction law and dispute resolution.
She specialises in construction and infrastructure projects, advising on front- and back-end construction matters and on project delivery issues, particularly during the near-completion period. She has reviewed and prepared construction contracts, consultancy agreements, performance guarantees and all other related project contractual arrangements. In addition, she has knowledge of all major standard form construction contracts in New Zealand and overseas, including NZS and FIDIC suites.
Van Houtte has assisted in resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 and arbitration, as well as in court. She has played a role in recent major building and infrastructure projects, such as Fletcher Building’s Commercial Bay redevelopment, the New Zealand International Convention Centre project and the Hamilton Expressway.
Her clients include contractors, insurers, building owners and consultants. She has also worked with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association and the Problem Gambling Foundation.
Prior to returning to Dentons Kensington Swan in July 2019 as a special counsel, Van Houtte was part of Fletcher Building’s in-house legal team.
The firm said Van Houtte’s promotion will enhance its infrastructure offering.
“Katrina has been great addition to our team and the wider firm. She has deep expertise and brings added perspective having been the client as in-house counsel,” said partner Paul Buetow, who leads the construction and major projects group. “She has been working collaboratively across the firm with our real estate and commercial teams and is mentoring junior staff. Katrina’s move to partnership signals our faith in her and helps secure the future of what is a market leading team.”
“Katrina is a fantastic addition to our partnership. She has energy, expertise, and a commercial perspective. She is a natural leader who is going to thrive in what is already a successful and large national team,” said David Campbell, Dentons Kensington Swan chair. “Recent months have been challenging for everyone, but that has not stopped us recognising outstanding talent.”
