Civil litigation is a process where civil disputes (i.e., non-criminal disputes) between corporate entities or other legal personalities are resolved. Norling Law has extensive expertise in providing legal advice and representation for clients across New Zealand. We have helped resolve a broad range of complex disputes, including:
Commercial disputes can disrupt operations, strain relationships, and impact cash flow. We help clients resolve these complex issues efficiently while minimising risks.
Our litigation lawyers are passionate about taking a problem-solving approach to litigation and dispute resolution, providing clients with clear advice and practical solutions. We use our skills to support our clients in court and across mediation and arbitration.
Our litigation lawyers have experience at New Zealand’s District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. We have a good working knowledge of the processes and procedures of these various courts.
Our knowledge of court procedures and litigation law will be used innovatively with a results-focused approach. We are committed to applying this knowledge to the best advantage of our clients throughout the civil litigation process.
We have significant experience in dealing with:
Mediation involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator does not make a decision but instead facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties. The goal of mediation is to avoid the time and expense of a trial, as well as to preserve the relationship between the parties if possible.
Norling Law supports mediation as an efficient way of solving legal issues and, where suitable, encourages its clients to use mediation. We can attend a mediation as your lawyer or assist you in preparing for a mediation where you represent yourself.
Norling Law also offers an independent and impartial mediation service to non-clients in a dispute. Our skilled mediator can help you:
If you would like to explore engaging a mediator at Norling Law, please submit the details of your issue for resolution in a mediation application.
Arbitration is a more formal process than mediation. It involves a neutral third party, an arbitrator, who hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision. The goal of arbitration is to provide a less formal and less expensive alternative to a trial while still providing a final resolution to the dispute.
Our civil lawyers are familiar with the arbitration process and navigate this process with a high standard of advocacy.
Commercial litigation can be protracted and expensive; engaging with an experienced litigation lawyer will reduce delays and costs.
If you are interested in partnering with Norling Law to resolve your commercial disputes, we offer a no-obligation legal consultation with our litigation lawyers where we can discuss:
Our litigation lawyers focus on providing strategic advice at all stages of the process. We can facilitate alternative dispute resolution strategies that suit our clients’ needs and negotiate with the goal of providing you with the best possible outcome. The earlier a commercial dispute is addressed professionally, the more likely it is to settle before the parties become too entrenched in their position.
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Dispute resolution involves various methods to manage and settle disputes, ranging from informal negotiations to formal court procedures. It encompasses strategies to resolve conflicts early, such as mediation, arbitration, and more structured legal processes.
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving non-criminal disputes between individuals, corporations, or other legal entities. While many people associate it with courtroom trials, civil litigation often includes out-of-court resolutions like settlement negotiations or mediation. If the dispute remains unresolved, a formal claim is filed, leading to pre-trial activities and potentially a trial. The judge’s decision may be appealed. Given its complexity and cost, seeking legal advice is essential.
Civil litigation in New Zealand typically follows the following process:
A District Court proceeding is commenced by filing a Statement of Claim and Notice of Proceeding.
The plaintiff must then serve the document on the defendant. The defendant then has 25 working days to file a defence.
If the defendant does not file a statement of defence, in many cases, the plaintiff may simply apply for judgement by default from the Court. This is a common way in which litigation is concluded, and our litigation lawyers regularly adopt this approach.
If the matter is defended, there are three types of trial that could be allocated, and it depends on the complexity of the case as to how the litigation will proceed. Often a Judicial Settlement Conference is scheduled, which is also a great way to facilitate settlement.
The High Court process is commenced in a similar way as the District Court, by filing a Statement of Claim and Notice of Proceeding. After service on a defendant, the defendant has 25 working days to file a defence.
The High Court has a rigorous case management programme in which Associate Judges will implement strict timetables to ensure the litigation proceeds meaningfully to trial.
To be successful at the High Court, you need to be strategic and employ a clear theory of the case whilst having a clear understanding of each stage and what is expected of you in each stage in order to win at trial.
It’s important to note that civil litigation can be a complex and time-consuming process, and parties should seek advice from a litigation lawyer before proceeding with a claim.
Mediation and arbitration are two forms of dispute resolution which aim to avoid involving the courts in the civil litigation process.
Mediation involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Arbitration is a more formal process that involves a neutral third party, an arbitrator, who hears evidence and arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision.
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In a consultation, you will receive:
✔ Clear Insights – understand your legal and strategic options.
✔ Pathways to Resolution – explore practical next steps tailored to your situation.
✔ Your Best Interests First – this session is about strategy, not legal advice.
Takeaways: Personalised legal options from an expert solicitor for you to take further in an engagement with our team, or act on independently.
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