I am pleased to share that The Legal 500, one of the world’s leading legal directories, has once again ranked Lane Neave as a top-tier firm in the Asia-Pacific region.
More specifically, I am proud to be personally named as a Recommended Lawyer in the field of Labour and Employment Law for 2026.
What is The Legal 500?
Unlike many industry awards, The Legal 500 does not base its rankings on sponsorship. It conducts an exhaustive annual research programme, interviewing thousands of clients and peers globally to identify the legal teams who are providing the most cutting-edge and commercially astute advice.
For a client, seeing a firm or lawyer ranked in The Legal 500 is a shortcut to trust. It signifies that:
- The advice is tested. We are handling complex, high-stakes work that peers respect.
- The service is validated. The rankings rely heavily on confidential client feedback regarding responsiveness, strategy, and outcomes.
A team effort
While individual recognition is always appreciated, this result reflects the depth of the Employment Law team I am proud to be a Partner in.
Our Managing Partner, Andrew Shaw, has retained his status as a “Leading Partner,” and I am delighted to share the “Recommended Lawyer” accolade with my colleagues Fiona McMillan and Joseph Harrop.
This “bench strength” is exactly why I merged my practice, Bell & Co, with Lane Neave. It allows me to offer my clients the best of both worlds: the personal, strategic care of a dedicated partner, backed by the resources of a national heavyweight.
What this means for my clients
Recognition in The Legal 500 confirms that our approach of focusing on strategic negotiation and psychological leverage rather than just “black letter law” – is resonating with the market.
Whether we are navigating a sensitive senior executive exit, managing a complex restructure, or resolving a high-conflict personal grievance, the goal remains the same: to achieve a commercial outcome that allows you to move forward.
Looking ahead
The employment landscape in New Zealand is shifting. With new legislation around the high-Income threshold and changes to contractor status, the need for robust, strategic advice has never been greater.
If you are looking for a lawyer who is independently verified as a leader in the field, I am here to help.
Andy Bell
Andy Bell is a seasoned lawyer with over 20 years of experience in New Zealand law, known for his exceptional representation and nuanced negotiation skills. Andy Bell is a skilled advocate who balances tenacity and diplomacy to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.