Tompkins Wake Strengthens Litigation Team with Partner Promotion

Wednesday 9 April, 2025

Tompkins Wake is pleased to announce the promotion of Morgan Brady to Partner. Based in our Hamilton office, Morgan joins partners Kate Cornegé, Wayne Hofer, Chen Jiang and Jessica Phillips in leadership of our national Civil Litigation team. 

Since joining the firm in 2018, Morgan has established herself as a formidable litigator, known for her expertise in construction, commercial, and property disputes. She has built a reputation for excellence in building and construction litigation, acting for local authorities, homeowners, builders, and product manufacturers. Her experience ranges from advising on individual defect claims to leading high-stakes, multi-party construction disputes, often involving intricate compliance and regulatory challenges under the Building Act and related legislation. 

Morgan has also developed a strong advisory practice working with local authorities, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance under the Building Act and associated legislation. She provides strategic guidance on risk management, natural hazard issues, and statutory obligations — further reinforcing Tompkins Wake’s reputation in the local government sector.

Morgan’s practice also extends across a broad range of commercial and property matters, including disputes involving caveats, leases, and sale orders. She has acted for individuals, SMEs, and large organisations, including on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. Her notable experience includes advising on the New Zealand component of an international business partnership dispute and acting in the first anti-suit injunction case in either New Zealand or Australia under the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010.

A confident and capable advocate, Morgan regularly appears in the senior courts and in alternative dispute resolution forums such as mediation. She is respected for her clarity, directness, and calm under pressure — qualities recognised not only by clients, but by senior barristers and opposing counsel alike.

Clients appreciate Morgan’s pragmatic and outcome-driven approach. She is committed to achieving the best results and is known for tailoring advice to suit her clients’ commercial goals. Her thoroughness, drive to improve systems and processes, and unwavering work ethic have earned her wide respect both within the firm and externally.

"Morgan’s promotion to Partner recognises her sharp legal judgement and her ability to deliver strategic, commercially grounded advice,” said Kate Cornegé, Partner and Head of Civil Litigation at Tompkins Wake. “Her expertise in construction and commercial litigation strengthens our national offering, and her exceptional understanding of building systems and construction practices allows her to bring clarity to even the most complex disputes.”

Tompkins Wake Chief Executive Jon Calder added: 

“Morgan’s promotion is not only a reflection of her legal expertise, but also the leadership qualities, energy, and high integrity she brings to the firm. In addition to being a trusted advisor to clients, Morgan is a respected voice within the firm, and represents the thoughtful, forward-thinking mindset that defines Tompkins Wake. Welcoming Morgan to the partnership is a natural next step in her journey with the firm and a recognition of the depth of value she brings to our clients and our team.”

Morgan’s promotion reflects both her exceptional legal ability and the trust she has built with clients and colleagues alike. As a Partner, she will continue to play a key role in the growth of our national dispute resolution practice and the success of our clients.