Hayden Wilson on Litigating Against Political Leaders in New Zealand

Episode Three

Your host for this episode is Luke Campbell and Ella Cleary.

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Hayden Wilson

Hayden Wilson is New Zealand chair and partner at Dentons, the largest global law firm in the world.

Hayden has practiced law for more than 20 years with particular expertise in public, regulatory and commercial litigation. Hayden has been involved in some of New Zealand's highest profile litigation cases in recent memory.

We talk about why Hayden chose law over medical school, his passion for politics, becoming a partner at a prestigious firm, and of course, his involvement in litigation against former Conservative Party leader, Colin Craig.

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Transcription Summary

In this episode, we delve into Hayden Wilson's professional journey, tracing his early interest in law and politics back to the transformative 1990s when university fees and loans were introduced, reshaping the course of his career.

Exploring Hayden's legal trajectory, we examine his path to partnership, emphasizing the evolving criteria that now prioritizes leadership qualities over traditional legal skills. Currently holding the position of New Zealand Chair at Dentons, the world's largest global law firm, Hayden's steadfast commitment to shaping the firm's direction has been a pivotal force in his career.

Hayden provides insights into his areas of legal expertise, with a focus on litigation, mediation/dispute resolution, and firm governance. He underscores the global advantage Dentons offers to New Zealand businesses.

A notable aspect of Hayden's professional life is his pivotal role in a high-profile defamation case, representing Rachel McGregor against Colin Craig. This experience illuminates the limitations of litigation for personal disputes, inspiring Hayden to advocate for an enhanced role for mediation and propose reforms for a more efficient and accessible legal system.

Addressing young lawyers, Hayden emphasizes the benefits of exploring different legal environments and seeking mentorship beyond the confines of the profession.

Concluding the episode, Hayden shares his perspectives on elevating litigation, advocating for an expanded role of mediation, and proposing reforms to bolster overall efficiency and accessibility. This podcast episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Hayden Wilson's experiences and insights, offering valuable perspectives for those intrigued by the legal profession and its ongoing evolution.

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Check out Hayden's latest piece of work, mentioned in the episode; Does compromise, compromise justice? Three proposals for the integration of mediation and litigation.