Peter Hobbs - Partner

About Peter Hobbs

Career to date

"I have a background in criminal and commercial litigation being a former crown prosecutor and continue to be involved with dispute and disciplinary processes for industry bodies and in the sports sector. I have advised a number of not-for-profit organisations on their structure and rules and, in particular, their dispute and disciplinary practices. I have appeared in disciplinary hearings for national sporting and industry bodies and individual athletes. I am an NZRU SANZAR and IRB judicial officer and I am on the approved list of lawyers for the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand. Since 2001 I have also practiced general commercial law including company law, mergers and acquisitions, franchising, commercial property and leasing and contract work".

Peter was admitted in 1994 and first joined Gibson Sheat in 1999 returning in 2003, following two years as a commercial manager in the telecommunications industry. Peter became a partner in 2005.

My recent work

• Recently advised two clients on the sale of their respective businesses to overseas buyers for multi million dollar sale prices

• Assisted a landlord with the negotiation and drafting of one of Wellingtons largest recent leasing deals

• Acted on the sale of multi million dollar commercial property and complex refinancing

• Advised franchisee client involved in dispute with franchisor which included a mediated settlement

• Continue to sit as an NZRU, SANZAR and IRB judicial officer both domestically and internationally

Professional associations and community organisations

I am part of the Citizens Advice Bureau at Karori. I am also on the board of Trustees for the Ronald McDonald House Wellington Trust as the Child Cancer Foundation representative for the central region

My approach to working with my clients

I am informal, down to earth and pragmatic. I try to understand what a client wants, or needs, to achieve and find the most timely and cost effective way of doing so.

An instance when I've given a client a real competitive edge

I saved a client money by giving them advice that allowed them to lower the rental they would be paying on a property, as the result of a business purchase.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given

My father told me - always tell the truth.

What stimulates me

The legal work is challenging, interesting and complex. I also like the collegial nature of the work environment.

What I enjoy outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my family and young children. I also play golf and enjoy swimming to stay active.

If I wasn't a lawyer I'd be...

An architect.