James Gurnick

Senior Associate

• (07) 838 6039
• 021 552 379
• James.Gurnick@tompkinswake.co.nz
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To make an appointment, please contact Bronwyn Thompson Bronwyn.Thompson@tompkinswake.co.nz

Qualifications : BA, LLB, University of Otago.

James is an experienced commercial/civil litigator skilled in alternative dispute resolution. James has built a strong reputation as an advocate appearing in the higher courts.

James joined Tompkins Wake in 2014 following a career as a senior lawyer with the Public Defense Service and Crown Prosecutor in Taranaki. 

Areas of expertise

Experience and knowledge

• Worksafe NZ v Hamilton City Council – represented HCC in Worksafe prosecution involving death of Hamilton Zoo curator by Sumatran Tiger.
• Waikato Regional Council v Open Country Dairy Limited – represented Open Country Dairy Limited in resource management prosecution relating to breaches of the Resource Management Act.
• Successfully defended client in arbitration proceedings involving claims for breach of contract involving significant multimillion dollar property asset.
• Ian Johnson Pharmacy Limited v GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited – successfully represented plaintiff against GSK in relation to breach of contract claim seeking damages in restitution in relation to recall of drug Marevan.
• Wells Instrument & Electrical v Shree Sai Holdings Limited – represented a successful appellant in opposing the granting of a liquor licence in an area close to a church and local school.
• Representing investor group clients in High Court proceedings involving multi-million dollar claims against a vendor and a real estate company for alleged breaches of  the Securities Act and Fair Trading Act when purchasing of commercial property
• Assisting Hamilton City Council in judicial review proceedings involving Local Approved Products Policy regarding Psychoactive substances.
• Assisting Hamilton City Council in judicial review proceedings involving fluoride in water.

Other credentials

• Council Member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Branch of the New Zealand Law Society
• Courts Committee
• President North Hamilton Lions Club
• Northern United Football Club Committee