L-R: Grace Rippingale, Alex Franks, Vivian Cheng, Sam Holden and Sarah Jackson

Chief Executive Partner, Pip England said, “Supporting our people to thrive is core to our kaupapa at Chapman Tripp, so it’s a pleasure to recognise these lawyers for their dedication to the profession, their clients and our team. Our success is due to lawyers, like these, who are highly regarded for their passion, experience and expertise.”

Grace Rippingale advises private and public sector clients on a broad range of matters with expertise in disputes and other areas of legal risk involving insurance, maritime, corporate governance, and contractual and statutory interpretation. Grace's skills include managing complex multi-disciplinary matters and working closely with clients to provide advice that responds to their specific commercial, operational and policy context.

Alex Franks is an experienced corporate lawyer specialising in public and private mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, equity capital markets, joint ventures, corporate restructuring projects and corporate governance. Prior to returning to New Zealand in 2020, Alex worked for six years with Clifford Chance in its London and São Paulo, Brazil offices.

Vivian Cheng advises on all aspects of taxation with a particular focus on business structuring and reorganisations, M&A, financing transactions and international taxation of inbound and outbound investments. Vivian is experienced in helping clients through Inland Revenue audits and tax disputes, negotiating tax settlements, obtaining binding rulings, and seeking legislative amendments and policy reform.

Sam Holden is an experienced commercial litigator and a member of our Construction & Major Projects team. He works with the firm’s largest clients leading complex construction disputes, achieving excellent results in the courts, arbitration, adjudication and settlements. He also advises on insolvency issues impacting construction projects, assisting insolvency practitioners in their role as receivers, voluntary administrators and liquidators.

Sarah Jackson advises banks and corporations on compliance with New Zealand’s consumer credit law regime. Sarah has in-depth knowledge of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) and Fair Trading Act. Her experience includes advice on a range of issues in the general banking and corporate finance fields.