Senior Associate

Nathan is a Senior Associate at Smith and Partners, specialising in civil litigation. With over 15 years’ experience, he is known for his tenacity, strategic insight, and calm courtroom presence. Nathan advises on a wide range of disputes including commercial contracts, estates, property, defamation, and neighbourly issues.

He takes a tailored approach to each case, recognising that legal disputes often involve personal and emotional complexities. Nathan guides clients through mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution processes, helping them reach practical outcomes without unnecessary escalation.

When litigation is required, Nathan is a formidable advocate. He has appeared in the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Employment Court, and various tribunals. He also contributes to legal education and media commentary, including guest appearances on Radio NZ.

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys woodworking and life on his lifestyle block in West Auckland.

Recent media:

28 May 2025 –1News Breakfast

Video appearance on 1News Breakfast segment arranged by Alison Pugh: “Family 'blindsided' after discovering meth contamination in rental home”

Family 'blindsided' after discovering meth contamination in rental home

25 September 2025 – RNZ Article

Quoted in RNZ article by Nik Dirga: “Is there anything you can do about public shaming on the internet?”

Online privacy and public shaming: What you need to know

19 September 2025 –Thepost.co.nz article

Quoted in Thepost.co.nz article by Sapeer Mayron: “Whose fence is it? Testy legal question for tenancies over election hoardings”

https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360828410/whose-fence-it-testy-legal-question-tenancies-over-elec…

23 February 2026 – RNZ Nights

Audio appearance on RNZ Nights audio segment with Emile Donovan - " What are your rights when it comes to neighbour's trees"

What are your rights when it comes to neighbour's trees

26 March 2026 – RNZ Article

Quoted in RNZ article (at length, alongside expert Steven Price) by Nik Dirga: “Politicians and defamation in an election year How far can you go?”

Politicians and defamation in an election year - How far can you go?