Emma Hughes
Senior Lawyer
Senior Associate
|
Auckland
Bio
Emma is a commercial litigator and construction law advocate. As an expert construction lawyer, Emma acts for and advises her construction clients on delay and disruption claims, variation disputes, and defective building work.
Emma’s construction law expertise includes advising on the nuances of construction contracts, mitigating project risks, and seeking resolution through adjudication, arbitration, and court proceedings. She has appeared in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
In addition, Emma acts for private clients in proceedings in a range of matters including defamation, relationship property, trusts and estates. She also regularly works alongside senior barristers and King’s Counsel.
Clients highly value Emma’s expertise, complemented by her calm, trustworthy nature. She is an effective communicator and works diligently to ensure her clients are guided through the complexities of their case.
Recognition
- NZ Lawyer Rising Star, 2023
Qualifications
- LLB Hons, BA – University of Waikato
- Admitted in New Zealand – 2012
Work highlights
- New Zealand's largest construction company on construction disputes relating to major projects in New Zealand, in particular providing contract advice and interpretation, facilitating/driving alternative dispute resolution processes and arbitration.
- A large construction client on a range of construction disputes, including significant delay cost claims against New Zealand and overseas entities, and assisting in adjudication and High Court proceedings.
- Various clients in relation to defective building claims ranging from individuals to multi-party claims in the High Court.
- Represented principals, contractors, developers on various projects, including earthworks and multi-unit apartments complexes. Emma has acted for these clients in various forums (arbitration, adjudication and court) addressing disputes relating to extensions of time, delay/disruption and variations. Emma regularly provides contract advice throughout the running of these projects to manage conflicts and avoid litigation.
- Represented private clients in disputes over relationship property, seeking spousal maintenance, protection orders and parenting orders.
- Represented at defamation proceedings in the High Court.
