Alan attended Auckland Grammar School before commencing his law degree at Auckland University where he graduated with LLB (Hons). He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1967 and attended Oxford University where he gained a BCL in 1970. Alan went to the Bar in 1979 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1987.  In 1986 he was a founding member of Shortland Chambers.

Whilst dedicating most of his time to the Law, Alan has maintained his passion for athletics and is a keen runner, successfully competing in World Masters Championships over the years. He is also known for his interest in horse racing and breeding and is proud to be part owner of a successful stud farm in the Waikato.

Areas of practice

Arbitrator and Mediator

Banking, Securities, Tax and Financial Regulation

Company

Competition and Fair Trading

Contract, Civil, Government and Commercial Disputes

Insurance

Intellectual Property

Judicial Review and Public Law

Trusts and Equity

Case History

Alan has appeared as counsel in commercial litigation on behalf of Air New Zealand, Auckland City Council, Auckland International Airport Ltd, Bank of New Zealand, Brierly Investments Limited, Cards NZ Ltd, Commerce Commission, Feltex Carpets directors, Fisher & Paykel Ltd, Fletcher Challenge Limited, Fonterra Co-Operative Ltd, Lion Nathan, Manukau City Council, National Provident Fund, Natural Gas Corporation, Perry Corporation Limited, PPCS Limited, Vector Ltd.

Publications and Seminars

• Sources of Problems of Interpretation
• Facilitating and regulating commerce – The Court Process
• NZ Bar Conference Speech 2012 – Drafter and the Advocate

Professional Activities

• 1967: Law Tutor
• 1971: Lecturer in Law, King's College, University of London
• 1973, 1984-1987: Part-time Lecturer Auckland University
• 1985-1987: Public & Administrative Law Reform Committee member
• 1987-1996: Legislation Advisory Committee member
• 1989-1993: Deputy Chairman, New Zealand Broadcasting Commission
• 1990-1992: Member, New Zealand Racing Authority
• 1992-1996: Member, New Zealand Racing Industry Board
• 1996: Member, New Zealand Totalisator Agency Board
• May 2008-August 2019: Deputy Chairperson, Sports Tribunal
• 2020: Member, Disciplinary Tribunal, World Athletics

Qualifications

LLB (Hons) (Auck)

Rhodes Scholarship 1967

BCL (Oxon) 1970

Year Admitted: 1970

Barrister Sole: 1979

Silk: 1987