Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Chair
Anita Birkinshaw, Special Counsel, Simpson Grierson
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the key principles courts apply when interpreting contractual terms and how those principles affect drafting decisions
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Apply practical drafting techniques to improve clarity and precision, reduce ambiguity and minimise the risk of contractual disputes and litigation
Contractual Interpretation: Drafting with Clarity
Clear and precise drafting is the cornerstone of effective contracts. In this session, we will explore the key principles of contractual interpretation and offer practical guidance on how to draft with clarity to avoid litigation risk.
Presented by Emily Murray, Senior Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Description
Attend and earn 0.5 CPD hour
Presenters
Anita Birkinshaw, Special Counsel, Simpson GriersonAnita Birkinshaw, Special Counsel, Simpson Grierson Anita specialises in litigation and has extensive experience in commercial dispute resolution. She advises clients on a varied range of contentious matters, including in relation to intellectual property, regulatory investigations and prosecutions, competition law issues, contractual disputes and administrative law. Anita is highly experienced in resolving claims through court proceedings, arbitration, mediation and negotiation. She works with clients from a wide variety of industry sectors, including manufacturing and retail, professional services, media and aviation. Anita has a Master's degree in law from the University of Paris I (Pantheon-, Sorbonne), France. Following her postgraduate studies, she worked as a litigator for leading international law firms in Paris and London, with a particular focus on disputes arising in the energy industry and on product liability law.
Emily Murray, Senior Associate, Anderson Lloyd
Emily is a senior associate in the firm's Corporate Advisory team. She has extensive experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures and commercial contracts for listed and unlisted clients in the energy, insurance, banking, telecommunications, FMCG, pharmaceuticals and oil and gas sectors. Before joining Russell McVeagh in September 2019, Emily worked at another large New Zealand law firm. Prior to that she worked in Johannesburg for ENSafrica (the largest tier one firm in Africa) where she advised on several high profile transactions.
