Brent O’Callahan

- LLB (Hons), University of Auckland, 1996

- BA, University of Auckland, 1995

Brent is a senior advocate with 30 years’ experience in commercial and civil litigation. He appears regularly in the High Court and appellate courts, with a focus on complex disputes involving company law, insolvency, asset recovery, equitable claims, and interim relief such as freezing and charging orders.

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Known for his clear analysis and strategic approach, Brent acts for private clients, insolvency practitioners, and corporate entities in high-stakes proceedings. He has particular expertise in multi-party litigation, cross-border enforcement, and urgent interlocutory applications.

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Before joining the independent bar, Brent was a partner at a prominent Auckland firm. He brings to his practice a sharp courtroom presence and a deep understanding of commercial dynamics.

Brent has appeared in hundreds of cases, many of them contributing to the development of the law in New Zealand. Over 60 judgments have been officially reported.

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Although Brent has led 4 cases in the Supreme Court and about 50 in the Court of Appeal, he is best known for his work acting for Michael Kidd in his successful long running and multi-jurisdictional claim against Alex van Heeren to recover his share of an international partnership. This is thought to be the most complex civil case ever to run through the New Zealand Courts.

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“Brent proved to show outstanding skills … In all dealings with Brent he proved to be on top of and in control of all relevant aspects while at the same time being able to find amicable solutions and thus always trying to ensure the best overall outcome for the client is achieved”, Dr Matthias Niedermüller, attorney, Liechtenstein, in relation to multi-jurisdictional proceedings.

“[In a difficult case involving the definition of a market] Brent’s approach was logical and showed a deep understanding of the law. … Brent was able to translate [an economic view] in to a legal position .. [which] in this case was changing long held opinions. .. He early on saw the error in the application of the [Commerce] Act … and undertook a sustained campaign to form his ideas into an evidence based argument that could bring the case to the right conclusion for his client… [T]his was not a popular course of action.  But having identified a legal situation that needed correction, Brent stuck to it”, Dr John Yeabsley, Senior Fellow, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research in relation to a series of proceedings before the Commerce Commission.

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• New Zealand Law Journal, Convenor of the Transactions Section from 2010 to 2023