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James Sanderson is a Solicitor based in Wellington

James is an experienced litigator, with particular expertise in construction law. He acts for private individuals as well as public and private sector clients on matters ranging from simple debt collections to complex defective building disputes.

James also advises clients in relation to non-contentious matters, such as reviewing and updating their terms of trade, or drafting entirely new ones, and reviewing and drafting building and construction contracts, from relatively simple, standard form residential building contracts to large, complex commercial building and infrastructure projects utilising NZS 3910/3916.

His recent experience includes acting on behalf of subcontractors to recover significant, six-figure debts from head contractors, acting for public bodies in relation to the procurement of new public assets, and acting on behalf of a one-man-band builder to recover a six-figure debt from a principal.

James brings a wealth of legal expertise to Gibson Sheat's construction and litigation team. Prior to his current role, James gained a diverse legal foundation while completing his undergraduate and masters degrees. He worked across law firms and government legal departments in England, Australia, and New Zealand. His experience included administrative and paralegal duties, with a focus on litigation and dispute resolution. Additionally, he gained exposure to corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, trademarks and technology, and family law. This diverse background has equipped James with a versatile skill set and understanding of a broad range of client needs.

James Can Help You With:

• Construction disputes: navigating complex contracts, breaches, and claims.
• Construction contracts: from residential building contracts to large, complex commercial and infrastructure contracts
• General litigation: representing clients in a wide range of legal disputes.
• Judicial reviews: challenging public decisions.
• Arbitration: resolving commercial disagreements outside of court.
• International trade issues: import/export regulations, contracts, and disputes.
• Public international law (WTO): navigating international trade agreements and disputes.
• Intellectual property: protecting your trademarks, patents, and copyrights.

James is a member of the Society of Construction Law and is committed to staying at the forefront of his field.

James finds a fulfilling balance outside of work. When he's not strategising legal battles, he switches gears to enjoy a variety of activities. He might be whipping up a delicious meal, staying fit with a gym workout, or taking relaxing walks with his partner. James also enjoys mentally stimulating challenges with strategic chess matches, and his passion for technology extends to his home, where he's creating a smart home environment.