The Law Association of New Zealand

Discovery in Civil Litigation (2025) (On Demand)

This On Demand was recorded on 21 August 2025.

Discovery is a key aspect of civil litigation. Many lawyers find it both time-consuming and challenging to navigate. Combined with the complexities of technology, the process can quickly become overwhelming and costly.

This practical session will provide guidance on how to manage the discovery process efficiently and effectively, with your client’s best interests in mind. It will also offer an update on recent developments, including significant changes to the discovery procedure that will take effect in 2026, and highlight key strategic considerations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Deepen your understanding of each stage of the discovery process, particularly in light of the upcoming High Court Rules amendments.
  • Receive practical insights into procedural requirements, and how to leverage technology to streamline your approach and achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Identify common pitfalls and critical considerations that can affect your strategy during the discovery process.
  • Stay current with developments in privilege, including strategic guidance on when to contest it and how to manage complexities involving in-house counsel or overseas lawyers.
  • Identify when confidentiality may arise and how to address any such concerns.
  • Become aware of the unique challenges posed by self-represented parties and how to respond effectively.
  • Benefit from guidance on evaluating when to seek further, or non-party, discovery.


Who Should Watch?

Legal professionals looking to stay ahead of procedural changes and enhance their practical skills in managing discovery. In particular, litigators up to intermediate level and those more senior seeking a refresher. General practitioners who handle some litigation matters will also benefit from attending.


Presenters

Aaron Lloyd, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Julian Spring, Senior Associate, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Oliver Sutton, Senior Associate, MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Julian Spring

Julian is a Senior Associate in MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. He is an experienced general commercial litigator, with a focus on contractual disputes, insolvency matters, body corporate disputes, and trust and estate litigation. Julian acts for clients from a wide range of sectors including the major banks, large financial institutions including investment and advisory groups, bodies corporate, and high net-worth individuals.

He has extensive Court experience including acting as counsel in High Court trials and interlocutory matters. Julian also regularly provides advice outside of the courtroom about complex commercial matters to achieve the best outcome. Julian has broad experience with private and Court-facilitated alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation, arbitration and judicial settlement conferences.

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Aaron Lloyd

Aaron is a Partner in MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. He represents clients in litigation, investigations, and strategic risk management, across a range of areas. He has particular expertise in trial and appellate advocacy, white collar criminal and regulatory matters, employment law/health and safety, and in sport.

Aaron is an experienced advocate, having represented clients in the District and High Courts, Employment Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, along with numerous tribunals. He has worked in conjunction with overseas counsel to represent clients in cross-border investigations and before offshore courts and tribunals.

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Oliver Sutton

Oliver is a Senior Associate in MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. He specialises in civil litigation, with particular expertise in commercial and technology-related disputes, regulatory compliance, and insolvency matters. Oliver advises a broad range of clients, including professional service firms, financial institutions, and private individuals.

He has appeared as counsel in the District and High Court, and before specialist tribunals, and is recognised for his strategic and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution. Oliver regularly supports clients with pre-litigation planning and risk management, and is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes to deliver effective and commercially-sound outcomes.

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Details

CPD Hours: 1.50hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $155 GST
Non-Member: $220 GST






This On Demand includes the video and materials, and will earn CPD. 

Click here to access materials only.

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