Michelle Kilham

Senior Associate

Michelle is an experienced civil litigator with a focus on insurance law, regularly appearing at Court and mediations. She brings a wealth of experience, having practised in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

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She regularly advises liability and general insurers on indemnity and conducts the defence of insured claims. Michelle has particular expertise in professional negligence claims against lawyers, accountants, auditors and construction professionals.

Michelle also advises insurers on a broad range of claims and policy coverage issues relating to property damage (including earthquake claims), building defects and defective workmanship.

In addition to insurance matters, Michelle acts for claimants and defendants in commercial litigation across a variety of sectors and subject matter. Her experience includes representing clients in disputes relating to contracts, property, leases, directors and shareholders, partnerships, debt recovery and insolvency.

Recent highlights

  • Acting for lawyers, accountants, auditors, brokers, engineers and architects defending professional negligence claims and advising insurers on issues relating to coverage of those claims.
  • Representing lawyers and accountants facing professional disciplinary actions and complaints, including appearing in the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.
  • Advising on a range of liability claims including fire damage, building defects (including fire protection, structural defects and weathertightness), defective workmanship and third-party property damage.
  • Defending a major accountancy firm against a claim for damages in excess of $280 million relating to alleged negligent audits.
  • Defending a law firm and one of its partners in a high-profile claim alleging professional negligence and dishonesty in connection with fraud and regulatory advice.

Michelle's insights

Are we there yet? Probably not: Supreme Court extends limitation period for contribution claims

19 September 2024

Insurance law insights featured in GILC Risk Radar report 2024

24 May 2024

Limitation of liability clauses upheld by the High Court

18 April 2024

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Enterprising

  • Member of the New Zealand Insurance Law Association.

  • Member of the Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association New Zealand

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