recognised leaders in the development of the law of negligence
Paul was admitted to the bar in 1985 and graduated from the University of Otago in 1986. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 1991
He joined a large Wellington law firm before practicing in England for three years.
Paul started working for the predecessor of the firm in 1997. In 2013 he became a partner.
Paul has considerable experience in the litigation and insurance arenas and regularly appears in the Weathertight Homes Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.
He has particular expertise in resolving claims involving flooding, nuisance, planning issues, allegations of negligence when inspecting buildings and disputes involving financial advisers and insurance brokers. He regularly advises on coverage under policies of insurance.
In addition to his extensive common law experience in relation to commercial disputes, Paul heads the firm’s employment liability team. He advises employers in relation to disputes with employees and general employment relations issues. Paul acts on behalf of the insurers of most schools in New Zealand as well as for societies and clubs, health professionals, solicitors and other employers. He writes a monthly column in the leading employment publication, Employment Today.
Getting the procedure right is the key, as a district health board recently discovered.
A claim against the Order of St John emphasises the importance of taking bullying allegations seriously and following fair processes.
Can a casual employee raise a personal grievance? This question was answered in a recent decision of the Employment Relations Authority. Paul Robertson outlines the lessons to be learned.
The person complained about wants to know the name of their accuser. What is the employer to do?
What is the cost to a person/school if personal information is leaked?
Reaching a settlement involves making compromises.
When a pharmacist lodged claims with the Employment Relations Authority, the High Court and the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
A long-running dispute between a librarian and school principal led to defamation proceedings and an unusual order by the High Court. Paul Robertson explains how it all came about.
Making a job offer subject to receiving an acceptable police vetting report can be problematic.