Our people

SPECIALISATION:

Insurance law & practice; Insurance policy drafting; Insurance regulation; Insurance claims advice

After graduating from Auckland University, Crossley Gates spent five years with a central city law firm conducting civil and criminal litigation.

Following this he worked for 18 years as head in-house lawyer for one of New Zealand’s largest fire and general insurers. He developed an in-house legal department of six lawyers conducting insurance litigation. He gained extensive experience in both domestic and commercial claims and represented the insurer in Court.

Working with the underwriters he drafted all the insurer's domestic and commercial policies.

He was also Board Company Secretary, Legal Compliance Manager, and manager and trustee of the insurer's staff superannuation fund.

Crossley joined DLA Phillips Fox in 2002 as Special Counsel.

While working for DLA Phillips Fox he has drafted a large number of consumer and business policy wordings for many general and life insurers. Crossley has advised on major claims coverage disputes under all types of insurance.

He has provided extensive advice in relation to the Christchurch earthquakes. He acts for a number of Lloyd's syndicates on property and liability claims in New Zealand.

He has successfully sought approval from the High Court for Schemes of Arrangement transferring insurance policies and he has successfully represented an insurer in the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Crossley has also been instrumental in providing advice to set up new insurance companies in New Zealand.

He has regularly advised on regulatory compliance for insurers and intermediaries.

Crossley is ranked by Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2013 as a leading insurance lawyer.

Crossley is also an expert advisor on iNavigator's 'Ask the expert' forum. iNavigator is an IBANZ member resource - visit www.inavigator.co.nz

RECENT WORK

ACE:

Reviewed a number of their policy wordings for use in the New Zealand market place.

Allianz:

Provided coverage advice on a number of large Christchurch earthquake claims and leaky building claims. Drafted changes to their policy wordings. Assisted with compliance obligations.

Crombie Lockwood:

Provided coverage advice on a number of large Christchurch earthquake claims.

IAG:

Advised on, and reviewed the final versions of, many domestic and commercial policies.

Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand Inc (IBANZ):

Assisted with new legislation and industry issues.

Insurance Council of NZ Inc:

Assisted with new legislation and industry issues.

Lloyd's syndicates:

Advised on, and defended, several large Christchurch earthquake claims and a significant arson/fraud case.

New India Assurance:

Successfully obtained their licence to operate in New Zealand.

Rothbury Insurance Brokers:

Assisted their clients with complex disputed insurance claims.

Sovereign Assurance:

Advised on disputed claims and defended coverage disputes; reviewed changes to their policy wordings. Assisted with compliance obligations.

TOWER Insurance:

Advised on disputed claims and defended Christchurch earthquake litigation. Assisted with drafting their policy wordings.

MEMBERSHIPS

New Zealand Insurance Lawyers Association
Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Presenter at Lumley Liability Insurance Symposiums
Regular presenter at seminars by ANZIIF and IBANZ
Presenter on insurance at Auckland District Law Society
Regular contributor to IBANZ’s publication Covernote