Tompkins Wake recognised in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 rankings

Thursday 15 January, 2026

Much of the work we do never appears in rankings. It happens behind the scenes, over long timeframes, and often on matters that carry real significance for our clients and their organisations.

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 rankings provide an independent view of that work. This year, Tompkins Wake is recognised across six practice areas and 24 recommended lawyers, up from 21 in 2025, another marker of the firm’s continued growth and evolution as a national law firm.

Continued momentum across the firm

Tompkins Wake is ranked in the same core practice areas as last year, with clear progress in two areas. Our Corporate and M&A team has moved from Tier 4 to Tier 3, and Real Estate (our Commercial Property and Property teams) have advanced from Tier 3 to Tier 2, a strong result in one of the most competitive parts of the New Zealand legal market.

Tompkins Wake's Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, and Labour and Employment practices remain Tier 3, with Projects and Resource Management (including environment) recognised at Tier 4.

Together, these results reflect a firm that continues to build depth and capability, with growing recognition for the quality and consistency of its work. They also reinforce Tompkins Wake’s position among the upper echelon of New Zealand law firms, operating nationally while remaining grounded in the regions we serve.

Recognition that reflects how we work

The 2026 rankings also recognise 24 Tompkins Wake lawyers, including new rankings for Tina Liu, Luke Bowers, Jessica Phillips, Natasha Alley, Kahlia Goss and Jason Bywater-Lutman, reflect the strength and depth of talent across the firm, alongside colleagues who continue to be recognised for their work and leadership.

That breadth of recognition matters. It reflects a culture that values collaboration, shared responsibility and the development of people at every stage of their careers and a belief that strong outcomes for clients are built by teams, not individuals working in isolation.

• Corporate & M&A: Mark Renner; Mark Lowndes; Phil Taylor; Kerri Dewe; Tina Liu (new); Luke Bowers (new)
  
• Dispute Resolution: Kate Cornegé; Chen Jiang; Wayne Hofer; Jessica Phillips (new)
  
• Intellectual Property: Shelley Slade-Gully; Natasha Alley (new)
  
• Labour & Employment: Daniel Erickson; Mark Hammond
  
• Projects and Resource Management (incl. environment): Theresa Le Bas; Bridget Parham; Peter Fanning; Campbell Stewart; Wendy Embling; Kahlia Goss (new)
  
• Real Estate: Scott Ratuki; Briar Shaw; Jacinda Johnston; Jason Bywater-Lutman (new)

“These results reflect the course that Tompkins Wake has charted over recent years. We’ve been deliberate about building a national firm with real depth across our practice areas, and it’s encouraging to see that progress recognised independently. 

I’m particularly pleased to see our rising stars continue to be recognised alongside our senior lawyers. That speaks to the strength we’re building across the firm and to the way our people work together. Rankings are not an end in themselves, but they are a useful signal that we’re operating at the top end of the New Zealand legal market and continuing to move forward.” - Jon Calder, Chief Executive

Legal 500’s research is informed by detailed analysis and client feedback. We value the time and insight our clients contribute to that process, and we’re grateful to those who shared their experiences. That feedback helps shape how we work, collaborate, and continue to refine the advice we provide.