The business disputes-focused firm will also have a base in Singapore
Three former Dechert LLP lawyers have launched litigation and arbitration boutique Lindsay Francis & Mangan in Auckland.
The firm, which concentrates on business disputes, will also have a base in Singapore in line with its focus on the APAC region. The firm is headed by partners Timothy Lindsay, Kim Francis, and Mark Mangan.
Lindsay previously led the London international arbitration practice at Dechert before relocating to Auckland in 2016. In addition to a stint in Dechert’s London arbitration team, Francis was a partner at Meredith Connell for six years. Meanwhile, Mangan established Dechert's international arbitration practice in Singapore and was a partner there for nine years.
Lindsay first debuted the practice solo in 2017. Joined by Francis in 2020, the firm was rebranded to Lindsay & Francis. Recently, the firm defended Bunnings in Commerce Commission v Bunnings. It also acted for the former chairman and independent directors in proceedings related to the collapse of CBL Insurance, pharmaceutical investor PBL in PBL v AFT Pharmaceuticals, and Macquarie Capital in litigation against casino operator SkyCity.
“The increasing trade and investment flows along the New Zealand, Australia and Singapore axis – and indeed with and among the rest of the Asia-Pacific – is leading to an increase in cross-border commercial disputes”, Mangan said. “Our new firm will allow us to collaborate on complex and important multijurisdictional disputes, provide opportunities for NZ lawyers to work on international cases, and unlock the synergies and cost savings that can be realised through the combination of offices in Auckland and Singapore”.
Mangan will head up the Singapore office and international arbitration team at Lindsay Francis & Mangan. The three partners will be joined by nine associates.
“One thing Singapore and Auckland have in common is the depth of arbitration talent. Both are also trading posts, with a real international outlook and interconnectedness to the world”, Francis explained.
