Barrister and Solicitor
John Ropati has practised as a barrister and solicitor since his admission to the bar in 1996. John acts in general civil and criminal litigation and dispute resolution across the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of New Zealand.
EnquireJohn Ropati acts for plaintiffs and defendants across a broad range of civil, commercial, family, and criminal matters. John appears regularly in the District Court, High Court, and Family Court, and has appeared before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of New Zealand.
John Ropati acts in a broad range of civil proceedings, including contractual disputes, debt recovery, tortious claims, and applications for injunctive relief. John advises clients on the merits of their position before proceedings are commenced and represents them through to trial where required. John was counsel in Dysart Timbers Ltd v Nielsen, a landmark New Zealand contract law decision. John acts for both plaintiffs and defendants and is experienced in case management, interlocutory applications, and trial advocacy.
John acts in disputes between commercial parties including shareholder disagreements, alleged breaches of directors' duties, claims arising from business sales and acquisitions, and breach of contract. John advises on pre-litigation options including negotiated resolution, and where proceedings are necessary, represents clients in the High Court and District Court. John is experienced in obtaining and resisting urgent interlocutory orders.
John has represented defendants in criminal proceedings in the District Court and High Court, including jury trials. John acts across a range of charges and provides advice from the pre-charge stage through to sentencing. John has experience in bail applications, pre-trial applications, and trial advocacy before juries. John approaches each matter with careful preparation and provides clients with frank, practical advice about their position.
John acts in relationship property disputes, separation matters, and proceedings under the Care of Children Act 2004. John advises on the division of relationship property under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, including in cases involving trusts, company interests, and other complex assets. John represents clients in the Family Court and, where appeals arise, in the High Court.
Many civil and commercial disputes are capable of resolution without the cost and delay of a full hearing. John represents clients at formal mediation and in without-prejudice negotiations, and advises on settlement strategy throughout the life of a matter. John is experienced in identifying realistic settlement ranges and negotiating outcomes that reflect the strength of his clients' positions. Where settlement is not achieved, he proceeds to hearing fully prepared.
John acts in disputes involving real property including boundary and title disputes, co-ownership conflicts under the Property Law Act 2007, vendor and purchaser claims, mortgagee sale proceedings, and disputes over easements and covenants. John advises on the merits of property claims at an early stage and represents clients through to resolution, whether by negotiation, mediation, or Court hearing.
John represents both employers and employees in employment disputes. John acts in personal grievance claims, unjustified dismissal and disadvantage grievances, breach of employment agreement, and restraint of trade matters. John appears before the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court and advises on the prospects of claims and the likely range of remedies. John also advises employers on disciplinary processes and restructuring to minimise the risk of successful grievance claims.
John advises creditors and debtors in enforcement and recovery matters following judgment. This includes applications for charging orders over real property, examination of judgment debtors, attachment orders, and bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. John assists clients in identifying and realising assets against which enforcement can be taken, and advises on the most cost-effective method of recovery in the circumstances.
John graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and was admitted to the bar in 1996. John has practised as a barrister and solicitor for nearly three decades, building a litigation practice that spans civil, commercial, and criminal proceedings.
John has appeared at all levels of the New Zealand court hierarchy, including the Supreme Court of New Zealand and the Court of Appeal. John acts for individuals, businesses, trustees, and other entities across a wide range of contested matters.
In civil and commercial practice, he has acted in contractual disputes, company and shareholder matters, property litigation, employment proceedings, and enforcement. John was counsel in Dysart Timbers Ltd v Nielsen, a landmark contract law decision in New Zealand.
In criminal practice, he has appeared in jury trials in the District Court and High Court, acting for defendants across a range of charges. John advises on matters from the pre-charge stage through to sentencing.
John accepts instructions directly and is available to advise on the merits, conduct, and strategy of litigation.
John Ropati has appeared across the full range of New Zealand courts and specialist tribunals. John accepts instructions in both first instance and appellate proceedings.
For all enquiries, please contact John directly by email or telephone. John accepts instructions directly and all enquiries are treated in confidence.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.