Pleadings

Properly prepared court pleadings are crucial documents for initiating civil proceedings. Pleadings define the issues in dispute, inform the opposing party about the case they need to meet, and ensure a fair and efficient hearing process by facilitating the parties’ focus on the relevant issues and evidence.

This webinar is appropriate for Junior and Intermediate practitioners, as well as those unfamiliar with this area of practice but interested to learn more or looking for a refresher. It will focus on the key elements for successful pleading of a statement of claim, statement of defence and statement in reply.

Register today to hear what our experienced litigators Polly Pope and Kishen Kommu have to share about getting your pleadings right!

OUR PRESENTERS

Polly Pope is a commercial barrister who practices from Bankside Chambers.  She joined the independent bar after over a decade as partner at Russell McVeagh, including a term as Chair of the Partnership.  Her practice includes commercial, insolvency, construction, and financial regulatory enforcement disputes and investigations. As well as her practice as counsel, Polly accepts appointments as an arbitrator, and is a Fellow of AMINZ and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Kishen Kommu is an experienced civil litigator with a broad range of dispute resolution expertise, including construction, property, commercial, insolvency and unit title disputes. He practices as a barrister sole from FortyEight Shortland Chambers and has appeared as counsel in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, various tribunals and alternative dispute resolution processes.  Prior to moving to the independent bar, Kishen practiced in the litigation teams of well-regarded firms in Auckland and Tauranga.

Damian Chesterman is a commercial and civil barrister and arbitrator with a strong litigation background both in New Zealand and internationally.  Most of Damian’s cases are in High Court and recently have involved breach of contract, defamation and Treaty issues. Damian also undertakes appellate work and is a commercial arbitrator.  

Damian’s qualifications include an LLM (Hons) from the University of Cambridge, England; an LLB with First Class Honours from the University of Waikato; a B.Com from University of Auckland; New Zealand’s highest qualification in arbitration (FAMINZ (Arb)); admission to the New York Bar and admissions in Australia, England and New Zealand. 

Damian will chair this webinar.