1 June 2018
DLA Piper Appoints New Partners Michael Thompson And Heath Brunton in New Zealand
DLA Piper has appointed two new partners. Banking and Finance lawyer Michael Thompson and Real Estate lawyer Heath
Brunton both practise in Auckland, New Zealand.
Michael Thompson joins the Finance, Projects and Restructuring team and has extensive experience in Australian, European and New Zealand
markets. He was recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2017 and 2018. Michael advises local and international banks and borrowers on top tier domestic and cross border
financing. He is focused on property and development finance, acquisition finance, corporate finance and debt
restructuring. His appointment aligns with DLA Piper’s deep finance, projects and restructuring capabilities globally,
and the firm's commitment to the highest calibre of service.
Heath Brunton joins the Real Estate team with broad national and international experience in property. His areas of focus have
included large integrated housing and mixed developments, and property investment and transactions. Offshore and in New
Zealand, he has been instrumental in advising on extensive urban regeneration and affordable and social housing. In New
Zealand, he says the market is shifting rapidly to a mixed model of offices, retail and apartments in the one
development. He has particular experience in design-build leasing arrangements for large developments, agriculture,
hotels and construction.
Martin Wiseman, DLA Piper New Zealand Country Managing Partner said: "We are delighted to welcome Michael and Heath.
Being the only global law firm operating in New Zealand, we continue to attract top talent to our business."
ENDS