GEOFF DAVENPORT

Geoff has been a specialist employment lawyer for over 30 years. Having graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Law and a BCom in Industrial Relations in 1993, Geoff joined the employment law team at Bell Gully, and acted for public and private sector employers, unions and employees over the next 5 years.

Geoff then completed a Masters degree in Law in Vancouver Canada, focusing on the obligation of good faith in employment law. This postgraduate study was followed by employment law roles with the United Nations in Geneva, and a leading law firm in London.

Returning to New Zealand in 2000, Geoff joined a specialist boutique employment law firm, McBride Davenport James, becoming a partner in 2001, and continued to act for the full range of employers (public and private sector), unions and employees. In 2010 Geoff received the NZ Law awards award for the top employment lawyer in New Zealand.

Geoff moved to the Independent Bar in 2019, and continues to specialise in employment law, acting for Government and Private Sector employers of all sizes, unions and employees across the country. Geoff has also been approved by the New Zealand Law Society to accept direct instructions on employment related matters.

Areas of specialisation

• Unjustified dismissals, and all other forms of personal grievances;

• Restructuring;

• Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination claims;

• Collective bargaining advice for unions and employers;

• Acting on, and advising on strikes, lockouts and other industrial relations matters;

• Human Rights claims;

• Privacy claims;

• Health and Safety matters;

• Investigations and other disciplinary processes;

• Mediations, and representation in all Authorities, Courts and Tribunals on employment related matters.