Qualifications : LLB (Hons), University of Waikato.

Insolvency work for secured creditors and the big four accounting firms sits at the centre of Wayne's practice, built on a career that has run through London, the Caribbean, and two of New Zealand's largest firms before Tompkins Wake. Wayne joined Tompkins Wake in 2020 as a senior associate and made partner in April 2022, having spent the previous five years working internationally, including at global law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in London. His practice extends beyond insolvency into general commercial litigation, and he has acted on very large litigation matters in New Zealand and abroad.

Outside insolvency, Wayne's particular areas of expertise include shareholder disputes, trust disputes, banking litigation, fund disputes, breach of contract, negligence, insurance and emergency relief. He is recognised by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific for dispute resolution, with clients citing his practical judgement and his availability for both quick, off-the-cuff calls and detailed considered opinions. He is also a recommended lawyer for commercial litigation in The Legal 500 United Kingdom, and is known for his ability to distil complex problems and go after the best result for his clients.

Areas of expertise

Client feedback

• "Wayne Hofer – really practical but grounded in legal knowledge. Open, approachable and always helpful." - The Legal 500, Asia Pacific, Dispute Resolution 2026
  
  
• "Wayne Hofer and Chen Jiang are exceptional litigators, they're available to take phone calls and provide off-the-cuff advice, or, other times give detailed considered opinions. They have a quality team of associates too." - The Legal 500, Asia Pacific, Dispute Resolution 2026

Other credentials

• Recommended Lawyer, Dispute Resolution, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026

Professional history

• Tompkins Wake, 2020 - present
• Griffiths & Partners (Turks and Caicos Islands), 2019 - 2020
• Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (London) LLP, 2015 - 2019
• Bell Gully, 2011-2015
• Simpson Grierson, 2009 - 2011