Expertise
Supporting our clients’ success with expert business law advice
At Ford Sumner we provide expert legal guidance across all areas of corporate and commercial law, helping businesses to take on challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.
Whether you need help with corporate law and governance, guidance in selling a business, or support to resolve a dispute, our experienced Business Law team is here to help.
Explore our business law expertise
Corporate law
Our Corporate team, led by Partner Sarah Churstain, supports clients across all stages of the business lifecycle – from structuring and governance through to mergers, acquisitions, and business exits.
Sarah and her team provide clear, commercially focussed advice on corporate and financial law, helping our clients to manage risks, meet their compliance obligations, and position themselves well for growth.
So whether you are a newer, growing business or an established one navigating some difficult changes, our Corporate team provides the expertise, experience, and practical approach that will help you succeed.
Commercial law
At Ford Sumner we deal with all types of commercial contracts. You may need advice on terms and conditions of supply, or perhaps with an agency, distribution, or licensing agreement – whatever your needs, our experienced drafters and negotiators will help you achieve the best legal outcome for your business.
All commercial relationships involve elements of risk, and Ford Sumner are experts in developing strategies to best manage them.
Mergers and acquisitions
At Ford Sumner, we provide end-to-end legal support for mergers and acquisitions, advising clients on deal structures, due diligence, transaction documents, and post-acquisition issues.
We have acted for both buyers and sellers across a range of sectors. We bring a pragmatic, proactive approach, ensuring our clients are well-positioned to manage risk and succeed commercially.
Dispute resolution
Business disputes can be costly in money, time and stress, and resolving them efficiently is critical. Our dispute-resolution experts handle property law disputes, shareholder conflicts, and contractual disagreements. Whether the right approach in your case is negotiation, arbitration, or litigation through the courts, we help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimising the risks and costs.
Mediation
We help you avoid costly litigation with our expert mediation services. We facilitate constructive negotiations, helping businesses resolve disputes quickly and effectively.
Regulatory compliance
With our in-depth knowledge of a range of New Zealand sectors, we help businesses meet legal and industry-specific regulations. From aviation law to financial regulation, we provide proactive advice to help organisations reduce their risks and plot practical strategies for ensuring they are compliant.
Workplace investigations
Our team will advise you on how to carry out a workplace investigation that’s thorough, fair, and legally compliant. We have lengthy experience covering a range of investigation types, including regulatory breaches, staff misconduct, bullying and harassment, and other sensitive issues.
Whether you are responding to a complaint, managing an internal process, or engaging with regulators, Ford Sumner will ensure your investigation is handled fairly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your business. We provide pragmatic, balanced advice that takes account of legal and reputational risks and practical outcomes.
Employment law
We specialise in drafting employment agreements, managing restructures and redundancies, and resolving performance or misconduct issues. We protect you against legal risks and help you ensure you are meeting legal obligations as an employer, so that you and your staff can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Environmental law
We advise businesses on regulatory compliance, risk management, and sustainability. We help you ensure your operations are fully in line with environmental laws and best practices.
Insurance law
Ford Sumner has long experience helping companies navigate complex insurance policies and claims. Our team will provide you with clear guidance on business insurance issues, including how to manage risks and resolve insurance disputes.
Meet our business law team
Business Law
Why Choose Ford Sumner Lawyers for Business Law?
At Ford Sumner Lawyers, we provide clear, strategic legal advice that helps businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Our team of corporate lawyers and commercial law specialists are experienced in handling complex legal matters, from corporate law and governance to dispute resolution and estate and succession planning for small business owners.
We take a proactive, solutions-focused approach, ensuring you receive practical legal guidance tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re exploring the steps to selling a business, seeking expert advice on employment law, or need support with property law services, we deliver high-quality legal solutions efficiently.
With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to innovation, including automated legal services and legal document automation, we make legal processes seamless.
Trust Ford Sumner Lawyers for expert advice, strong advocacy, and a commercial approach that supports your business success.
News and insights
Our legal updates: Keeping you informed and empowered
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
External Investigations: A Guide For
Workplace investigations can be among the most challenging and sensitive aspects of managing a business and employing staff. These processes can be stressful and disruptive,...
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Parliament Addresses Director Safety Concerns on legal
For many retail business owners and directors, the requirement to publicly list a residential address on the New Zealand Companies Register has created ongoing privacy...
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Contributory conduct in an unjustified
Dismissing an employee for inappropriate or serious misconduct may be unjustified where the employer failed to follow a fair process. However, an employee’s contributory conduct...
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