Graeme Riach

After some 34 years of practising in firms as a litigation lawyer, Graeme joined the independent Bar in 2022.

Graeme has represented clients in most jurisdictions from the District Court to the Supreme Court and in specialist Tribunals including the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal and Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.  With wide experience in civil and commercial litigation generally, Graeme’s areas of specialisation include construction and defective building disputes, corporate insolvency cases advising liquidators and receivers, and professional negligence matters.  Graeme has also conducted many employment cases, representing employers and employees and acted as defence counsel on regulatory prosecutions under Health & Safety and Primary Industry legislation.  Graeme applies a practical, common sense approach to all advice which will commonly include investigating potential alternative dispute resolution processes.  However, when a trial is necessary, Graeme has the skills and experience to ensure the best possible outcome.

Graeme is the Immediate Past President of the Canterbury Westland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society and is a member of the Judicial Panel of Coastguard New Zealand.  He has frequently been a judge of University Mooting and other law professional competitions. 

Graeme is happy to accept instruction from firms throughout New Zealand.