Emma Hughes
Senior Lawyer
Senior Associate
|
Auckland
Bio
Emma is a Senior Associate in Anthony Harper's dispute resolution team. She specialises in complex dispute resolution and advises private clients, businesses, and public sector entities on high-value and sensitive contentious matters.
Her practice covers construction litigation and private client disputes.
She regularly acts on complex construction and commercial disputes arising from major projects, advising principals, contractors, developers, consultants, and local authorities. Her work includes contract negotiation and interpretation, delay and disruption claims, variations, defective works, and termination issues. Emma represents clients in adjudication, arbitration, and court proceedings at all levels, and is frequently instructed on technically complex matters involving multiple parties, expert evidence, and significant financial exposure.
Emma also has a substantial private client disputes practice, acting in trust and estate litigation, relationship property and separation disputes, and care of children matters. She guides clients through emotionally and financially complex disputes from early strategic advice through to litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Anthony Harper's accreditation with Just Fund means Emma is able to support clients with access to funding in significant relationship property disputes.
Recognition
- New Zealand Law Awards Excellence Awardee: Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year 2024
- NZ Lawyer Rising Star, 2023
Qualifications
- LLB Hons, BA – University of Waikato
- Admitted in New Zealand – 2012
Work highlights
- Acting on complex construction disputes arising from major commercial and civil projects, including claims relating to delays, variations, defects, and contractual performance.
- Providing ongoing strategic and contractual advice during live construction projects to manage risk, avoid disputes, and preserve commercial relationships.
- Representing parties in adjudication, arbitration, and High Court proceedings involving technically complex evidence and multiple stakeholders.
- Acting in high-net-worth relationship property and trust disputes involving significant asset pools, business interests, and intergenerational wealth.
- Advising on and resolving shareholder and ownership disputes, including matters involving closely held companies.
- Acting in defamation proceedings and other reputation-sensitive disputes.
- Leading matters through negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution to achieve timely and cost-effective outcomes.
