Law Firm Boosts Capacity To Deal With Commerce Act

Law Firm Boosts Capacity To Deal With Commerce Act And Regulatory Changes

Law firm Chapman Tripp today announced that Dr Mark Berry, currently deputy Chairman of the Commerce Commission, will join the firm as a consultant later this year.

Grant David, Chapman Tripp’s competition law expert, said the appointment of Dr Berry would help the firm meet growing client demand for advice on the Commerce Act and the prospect of increased regulation in several sectors.

“Recent changes to the Commerce Act are potentially wide-ranging in their effects, and we are delighted to be able to draw on the expertise of Dr Berry as we advise our clients on the legislation’s impact.

Mr David said that Dr Berry’s experience with the Commission would be especially valuable to those clients in industries where increased regulation is expected, such as the telecommunications, dairy and electricity sectors.

“The Commission has just completed its initial review of airports price control, and it is likely that the next industry for similar review will be the electricity lines businesses. The gas sector meanwhile is being subjected to a more wide-ranging enquiry.

“All our clients are operating in a new regulatory environment, although its impact will be more immediately apparent for some. We believe that we can add value by helping them in all their dealings with the agencies of government, and having access to the expertise of Dr Berry will provide a unique facility.”

Dr Berry said he believed his appointment was the first of its kind in New Zealand. However, he said that overseas it was not unusual for someone in his position to pursue a career in the private sector at the completion of a term, and noted that two recent Australian Commissioners joined law firms upon retiring from the ACCC.

“I am delighted to be joining Chapman Tripp, and look forward to working with the firm’s clients on some of the challenges and opportunities the new regime presents.”

Dr Berry was Deputy Chair of the Commerce Commission from 1999-2001, and was previously a partner of another New Zealand law firm. He joins Chapman Tripp in September 2001.

ENDS

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