Kim Francis

• BA - Victoria University of Wellington 2000
• LLB(Hons) - Victoria  University of Wellington 2001
• LLM - University College London 2010

‍

Kim is a leading commercial litigator with over 25 years’ experience in complex commercial, regulatory and insolvency disputes.  He has successfully appeared at all levels of the New Zealand court system. 

Kim is known for his rigorous legal approach balanced by pragmatic commercial advice.

Kim has particular expertise in arguing complex legal and factual issues in trials, appeals and arbitrations – from technical insolvency disputes to complex regulatory issues. 

Before joining Bankside Chambers in 2026, Kim was a partner at specialist disputes firm Lindsay & Francis Mangan & Lee (formerly Lindsay & Francis) from 2021 and prior to that a partner from 2014 at litigation-focused firm Meredith Connell.  Kim has acted for a variety of liquidators, receivers, regulators (Commerce Commission, Financial Markets Authority, NZ Transport Agency) and regulated parties, as well as company owners and directors.  He has also acted in property disputes (including landlord-tenant and mortgagee issues) and other general civil and commercial disputes.

Kim is recognised by legal rankings such as Chambers & Partners as an “outstanding practitioner” who has “excellent litigation skills, is an innovative thinker and has great commercial sense”, and as a very strong litigator with “a sophisticated rigorous approach to complex issues and a wonderful client service ethic”.  Benchmark Litigation quotes feedback that “Kim is a superstar – diligent, intelligent, and perceptive.  He excels at managing files and client relationships”.

Kim has been involved in leading cases in a wide range of areas for leading corporate and public sector clients.  He has appeared in over 20 cases reported for their legal significance.

Kim is a contributing author of leading texts Morison’s Company Law and Heath & Whale on Insolvency Law and has previously taught as an adjunct lecturer on courtroom advocacy at the University of Auckland. 

Complex shareholder litigation

Appearing (with Brian Dickey KC) for a major shareholder (Talley’s Group Ltd) against a listed company (Bathurst Resources Ltd) involving claims under the Companies Act and Financial Markets Conduct Act. While subject to non-publication orders, the matter involves complex commercial issues and a number of interlocutory hearings.

Striking out Financial Markets claim

Appearing (with Sam Lowery) in striking out proceedings brought as an abuse of process in relation to an unsuccessful property development (CNP Holdings Ltd v Central Park Property Investment Ltd).

CBL litigation

Appearing for independent non-executive directors in relation to proceedings brought by the FMA, shareholder class actions and liquidator claims (with Marc Corlett KC and Tim Lindsay).

Complex insolvency appeal

Appearing in a Supreme Court leave application successfully opposing leave by a liquidator against an appeal on the scope of liquidator’s extraterritorial powers (Arena Alceon NZ Credit Partners LLC v Grant).

Property proceedings regarding caveats

Appearing (with Jeremy Johnson) in appealing against the High Court’s refusal to sustain caveats arising from a complex property development.

Director duties claims

Acting in complex claims for breach of directors’ duties, including Fuji Xerox NZ Ltd v Whittaker and Walker v Forbes.

‍

Kim is ranked as a Notable Practioner for Dispute Resolution in Band 4 Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific and Global Guide 2025 and 2026: Kim Francis adds value at every stage. He is unflappable and a joy to work with. An “outstanding practitioner” who has “excellent litigation skills, is an innovative thinker and has great commercial sense.” A very strong litigator with “a sophisticated rigorous approach to complex issues and a wonderful client service ethic”.  

‍

Benchmark Litigation New Zealand, Litigation Star: “Kim is a superstar – diligent, intelligent, and perceptive.  He excels at managing files and client relationships”

‍

Legal 500 Asia Pacific Ranking: “Kim Francis is an exceptional solicitor – diligent, intelligent, and with excellent judgment.”

‍

Lexology (formerly Who’s Who Legal): "Kim  has an impressive grasp of insolvency law and is efficient when developing  strategies for clients" "He can be extremely calm under intense  pressure" "He is a skilled advocate with the ability to think quickly on his feet"

‍

Doyles Guide 2026: Recognised as a Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyer in New Zealand.

• Heath & Whale on Insolvency Law (contributing author)
• Morison’s Company Law (contributing author)

‍