On today’s episode, we interview Michael Weatherall, an expert in construction law and dispute resolution. Michael has worked for Simpson Grierson since 1997, where he is now a partner and heads their construction law team.

Michael has specialist expertise in virtually all areas of construction law. Before joining Simpson Grierson in 1997, he worked for the largest construction law firm in the UK. His first career was as a structural engineer and project manager with Beca. He remains a Chartered Professional Engineer.

Michael is a past President of the New Zealand Society of Construction Law, and is a current member of the Standards New Zealand Committee which drafted the NZS3910:2023 Standard Conditions of Contract for Construction and Engineering Projects. He is also co-author of Kennedy-Grant and Weatherall on Construction Law in New Zealand”, the country’s leading practitioner text.

We talk to Michael about all things construction law, including contracts and dispute resolution processes. I hope you enjoy this episode with Michael Weatherall.

On today’s episode of the Law Down Under Podcast, we interview Larry Pozner, an internationally renowned expert on cross-examination. A veteran criminal defence trial lawyer, Larry has achieved success as counsel in several high-profile cases and represented major American organizations such as the American Insurance Group and the Denver Broncos.

Larry began his career as a public defender in Colorado and went on to found two firms specializing in criminal defence and civil litigation. He taught at the University of Denver College of Law, where he was voted Best Professor, and has since held programs on trial tactics throughout the US, Canada and Brazil.

He was recognised as Lawyer of the Year for Denver Criminal Defence (Non-White Collar) by The Best Lawyers in America, and has been listed in the publication since 1987.

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Larry on the podcast while he is in New Zealand to present his revolutionary seminar on cross examination. We talk with Larry about his illustrious career which spans more than five decades, as well as the latest edition of his book, ‘Cross Examination: Science and Techniques’, which was co-authored with expert trial attorney Roger Dodd. I hope you enjoy this episode with Larry Pozner.

On today’s episode of the Law Down Under Podcast, we interview former lawyer and current member of Parliament, Dr Duncan Webb. Duncan has served as the MP for Christchurch Central since 2017. As a former insurance lawyer and Professor of Law, Duncan has also worked for the Public Interest Project, which seeks to free innocent people from jail, and the Howard League, an organisation that advocates for prison reform.

Duncan serves as the Deputy Shadow Leader of the House, a Member of the Justice Committee, and the Co-Chairperson of the New Zealand, Middle East and Africa Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group. He is also the Labour Party Spokesperson for Christchurch Issues, Justice, the Earthquake Commission, and Regulation.

In this episode, we discuss Duncan’s bill, “The Insurance Contracts Bill,” which was drawn from the members’ ballot bill biscuit tin in Parliament. Duncan’s bill aims to modernize insurance laws in New Zealand, making insurance contracts fairer and clearer for consumers. We talk with Duncan about how the bill rectifies several issues in our existing insurance law framework and brings much-needed reform to the industry. I hope you enjoy this episode with the Hon Dr Duncan Webb.