Presenters

Dr. Anna Kirk, Barrister and Arbitrator, Bankside Chambers
Anna is a commercial arbitrator, adjudicator and barrister, specialising in international arbitration and public international law. Anna is New Zealand's member on the ICC International Court of Arbitration (2021-2024). Anna is also on the Council of the Arbitrator's and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ). Anna has been involved in over 50 arbitrations over the past 15 years as counsel, arbitrator or tribunal secretary. She has extensive experience in arbitrations under the ICC, UNCITRAL, ICSID, LCIA and SIAC Rules. Anna spent a number of years practicing international arbitration in London, representing clients across a range of industries including energy and natural resources, shipping, infrastructure and procurement. When she returned to New Zealand in 2011, she assisted Sir David Williams KNZM, QC with many large international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. Anna now sits as an arbitrator in both international and domestic arbitrations. Anna also sits regularly as an adjudicator under the Construction Contracts Act. Anna is a Fellow of AMINZ and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK). She is a member of the arbitral panels of AMINZ, ACICA, the NZDRC, HKIAC and SIAC (reserve panel). Anna holds a PhD in international law from the University of Cambridge. Anna regularly publishes and speaks on arbitration-related matters and is a contributing author to Williams & Kawharu on Arbitration (2011 and 2017). Anna also teaches a Masters paper in international arbitration at the University of Auckland. Through her studies she has a particular interest in business and human rights and is available to advise in this area

Sophie Slater, Associate, Duncan Cotterill
Sophie specialises in construction & projects, advising on a range of construction and infrastructure matters including contracts, project documents, construction legislation, regulatory requirements, and disputes. She provides practical advice to a broad range of construction professionals including head contractors, subcontractors, insurers, consultants, and developers. Sophie understands her clients’ unique needs and the construction environment they are operating within. This includes ensuring risk is allocated appropriately, anticipating issues, and supporting clients with regulatory requirements and contractual disputes. She is also regularly engaged to draft and review a variety of bespoke and standard form contracts and various project documentation.