Susan front

Qualifications

LLB (Canterbury)

BSc (Canterbury)

Alternative contact

Jess front

Jess Craighead

Susan has extensive experience advising clients and has a broad civil litigation practice.

Susan is an expert in construction law. She acts for contractors, developers, design professionals and building owners on a range of matters including advising on construction contracts, construction disputes, and leaky building cases.

Her work also includes insurance law, insolvency and various other disputes, including significant courtroom litigation for nationally recognised clients.  

"It is important to ensure that I have a sound understanding of my clients’ desired outcomes at the outset so that I can tailor a solution to their problem. I enjoy working alongside my clients to employ a strategy to achieve those outcomes, and it’s incredibly satisfying to guide them through that process."


Susan advises on insurance issues including professional indemnity and negligence actions, declination advice, policy interpretation and analysis and advice on recent decisions or legislative changes. She has extensive advocacy experience before the Courts, in arbitrations and in special tribunals including the Weathertight Homes Tribunal and Building Disputes Tribunal.

She has a proven track record of providing outstanding service and results to her clients who appreciate her strategic approach, attention to detail and clear advice.

Susan is a member of the New Zealand Society of Construction Law, RITANZ and NZILA, and an Associate member of AMINZ.

Susan Bevin NZ Lawyer Elite Women 2023

Susan was named a winner of NZ Lawyer's 2023 Elite Women award, highlighting female leaders in the profession making lasting positive impacts on the field and within their respective communities.

Elite Women winner profile

Recent work

  • Advising a bank in relation to enforceability of security documentation
  • Acting for a building owner in claiming against parties involved in construction for defective building works.
  • Representing an engineer in respect of a professional disciplinary proceeding.
  • Acting for a commercial building owner in High Court litigation over earthquake damage
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"I cannot speak highly enough of the service that I received from Susan.  She was very personable to deal with.  She listened to my concerns, kept me involved in the process and ensured that at every step of the way I was clear on what was happening and what to expect. "

Court

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