Contact details
Direct dial: +64 3 963 1463
Mobile: 027 431 7272
E-mail: pmj@saunders.co.nz
Assistant: Ann Oberg
Profile
Phil is one of the South Island's most successful and highly respected litigators. He has acted as Counsel in many leading cases on insurance law, OSH and commercial litigation. Phil's commercially astute and positive approach to litigation is valued by a wide range of clients.
He acts for major insurance companies, corporates, a local Iwi organisation and many private clients.
What Phil's clients say
"For more than 30 years, Phil James has represented Sports Marine Ltd, in both dispute situations and general legal matters. Over that time the company has benefited on many occasions from Phil's expertise in the law, and commercial understanding. Some examples include:
- Facilitating the negotiation of very significant settlements with parties wishing to pursue their own agendas. The outcome exceeded our potential exposure in savings of $300,000.00.
- Advising on legal issues concerning work that we had completed in Australia. After Phil assumed responsibility for communications we finally got notice of our position and action from the other party. I fired the Australian legal firm that had been handling things up to that time, and Phil is completing things to our satisfaction.
- In 1993 the company was under some pressure from its, then, main funder. I received a written letter from one of the big three accounting companies, not giving many options. I took the letter that day to Phil who was able to put together a substantial written response, which I hand delivered the following morning, in Auckland. The funder concerned, took an immediate U turn, and continued to support the company, until our decision to change some 10 years later.
In today's very competitive environment SMEs require good advice and relationships with their professional advisers. In my 30 years of dealings with Phil and Saunders and Co, I have found their commitment to me as the customer, and their broad range of specialists in different areas of the law, an extremely valuable resource, and at a reasonable cost."
Ian Williamson - Director
Sports Marine Ltd, CHRISTCHURCH AUCKLAND SYDNEY
"Phil James of Saunders & Co has acted for our family for the last 30 years. Phil has been extremely helpful whenever we have required legal advice or representation both for business and private matters. Phil is particularly skilled with court work where a keen brain and impeccable record keeping are required. Over the years he has taught me that having a policy of good record keeping can often prevent disputes occurring in the first place. I am happy to recommend Phil's services to friends and business colleagues."
Shalimar Knitwear Ltd, CHRISTCHURCH
Phil specialises in the following areas:
Always happy with service and professionalism at Hornby Law. Never had any reason or desire to change firms; friendly, welcoming, professional and easy to do business with.
Clos Henri Vineyard, Blenheim