Presenters

Kishen Kommu, Barrister, FortyEight Shortland Chambers
Kishen is an experienced civil litigator with a broad range of dispute resolution expertise including construction, property, commercial, insolvency and unit title disputes. He practices as a barrister sole from FortyEight Shortland Chambers and has appeared as counsel in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, various tribunals and alternative dispute resolution processes. Prior to moving to the independent bar, Kishen practiced in the litigation teams of well-regarded firms in Auckland and Tauranga. Clients appreciate his personable and approachable manner along with his thorough preparation and dedication to achieving optimal outcomes.


Helen Smith, Barrister, Canterbury Chambers
Helen has nearly 30 years’ experience as litigator. She is considered, determined, commercial and skilled at cutting through complex issues. Helen provides specialist advice and advocacy in dispute resolution, civil and commercial litigation, insurance, and construction disputes. She also conducts independent investigations and appears for clients in inquiries and Coronial inquests. After many years as a skilled mediation advocate, she also trained as a mediator to help people resolve their own disputes. Her focus is mediating civil and commercial disputes. Helen also facilitates negotiations between adversarial parties and expert conferencing. Before joining Canterbury Chambers in 2024, Helen worked in private practice in New Zealand and local government in London. She was a partner at Duncan Cotterill from 2009 to 2016 and at Simpson Grierson from 2016 to 2024 where she was the firm’s national litigation practice group leader and led the firm’s insurance practice. Helen is an excellent communicator. She provides clear and considered advice, is highly organised, and proactively seeks solutions. She takes a practical and pragmatic approach, recognising there are different ways to achieve a desired commercial outcome. Clients trust Helen to be in their corner with a plan in place, helping them to navigate risk, resolve disputes and achieve great outcomes.

Presenters

Kishen Kommu, Barrister, FortyEight Shortland Chambers
Kishen is an experienced civil litigator with a broad range of dispute resolution expertise including construction, property, commercial, insolvency and unit title disputes. He practices as a barrister sole from FortyEight Shortland Chambers and has appeared as counsel in the Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, various tribunals and alternative dispute resolution processes. Prior to moving to the independent bar, Kishen practiced in the litigation teams of well-regarded firms in Auckland and Tauranga. Clients appreciate his personable and approachable manner along with his thorough preparation and dedication to achieving optimal outcomes.


Helen Smith, Barrister, Canterbury Chambers
Helen has nearly 30 years’ experience as litigator. She is considered, determined, commercial and skilled at cutting through complex issues. Helen provides specialist advice and advocacy in dispute resolution, civil and commercial litigation, insurance, and construction disputes. She also conducts independent investigations and appears for clients in inquiries and Coronial inquests. After many years as a skilled mediation advocate, she also trained as a mediator to help people resolve their own disputes. Her focus is mediating civil and commercial disputes. Helen also facilitates negotiations between adversarial parties and expert conferencing. Before joining Canterbury Chambers in 2024, Helen worked in private practice in New Zealand and local government in London. She was a partner at Duncan Cotterill from 2009 to 2016 and at Simpson Grierson from 2016 to 2024 where she was the firm’s national litigation practice group leader and led the firm’s insurance practice. Helen is an excellent communicator. She provides clear and considered advice, is highly organised, and proactively seeks solutions. She takes a practical and pragmatic approach, recognising there are different ways to achieve a desired commercial outcome. Clients trust Helen to be in their corner with a plan in place, helping them to navigate risk, resolve disputes and achieve great outcomes.