FortyEight Shortland Barristers
Level 34, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland 1010  |  0223 179 127  |  stevekeall@stevekeall.com

About

Professional background

Steve has qualified as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand and as a solicitor in England, now practicing as a civil barrister in Auckland. He is a founding member of FortyEight Shortland, commercial and civil barristers' chambers in Auckland.

Experience

Insurance practice

As an experienced insurance barrister, Steve assists clients with insurance disputes, including claims resolution and advice on commercial and relationship issues arising from insurance product distribution. Clients include brokers, policyholders, and solicitors. He spent eight years in the London insurance market specialising in insurance claims, covering:

Relationship property

Steve has significant experience in civil disputes and provides advice and representation for relationship property matters. He focuses on equitable and trust claims, relationship property disputes involving business assets, and asset valuation issues. Claims are typically heard in the High Court. He offers independent legal advice on relationship property agreements.

“I have a particular interest in receiving instructions which involve forensic work, including tracing and valuing assets.”

General practice

Steve maintains a general civil practice covering relationship property, estate matters (including Family Protection Act claims), and property disputes such as caveat removal applications and Property Law Act relief.

Track record

Court decisions

Selected settlements & outcomes

“Legal work and litigation in particular is complex and difficult. After about twenty years of practice, I have been involved in cases where things have not gone to plan, and people have been unhappy. When you engage a barrister, it is wise to seek balanced information about that person's track record and experience. That means not focussing solely on the cases that have gone entirely to plan. I am happy to have that discussion with you, as any good, experienced, lawyer should be.”

Legal tech ventures

Steve founded The Legal Drive Limited, developing:

Testimonials

“Steve exactly knows what he does and what he brings to the table to his clients. Steve has been more than a legal matter expert to me in last 3 years. He was a true friend, mentor and always wished the best for me. My needs were put in front vs financial expectations and I felt really looked after. I really recommend Steve if you after great results!”
— VB, Client
“Getting Steve's assistance was invaluable. His submissions were clear and succinct and were key to obtaining a favourable outcome. Thanks Steve for your assistance. You really helped put the matter in perspective. Your words of wisdom were key to maintaining my sanity.”
— JH, Solicitor
“I was in need of advice as to a direction on a somewhat involved a historic legal matter involving negligence by a conveyancing lawyer. I had few options, but when I contacted Steve, I found him both communicative and forthright. Overall, I was impressed with his very detailed advice and practical approach as to how to bring about proceedings in the relevant Tribunal; his strategies for presenting the case assisted me greatly and resulted in a win at the high end of the jurisdiction limit. I would strongly recommend him.”
— Ian P., Lay-Client
“I have been referring clients to Steve Keall for several years now, with successful outcomes. Some of the clients I have referred to Steve have been involved in litigation and others have been seeking to avoid it. I have always been impressed by Steve's knowledge, competence, and enthusiasm; his strategic and technical advice and skills have been invaluable. I highly recommend Steve to other instructing solicitors and their clients.”
— Sue Stodart, Solicitor
“Steve is one of the most erudite, energetic, resourceful and decisive barristers I have had a pleasure of working with. The clients of our firm always get delivered a combination of critical thinking, sound judgment and advancement of their cases, through quality advice and advocacy, when Steve is onboard.”
— Doug Cowan, Solicitor
“Steve represented me on my case better than I could have ever imagined. His approach was highly professional and responsive. Steve is quite receptive, not only he kept me informed throughout the process but also valued my opinions and reassured my doubts always. Steve is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and competent. Within weeks Steve not only managed to get a resolution on my case but also was able to obtain a refund from the other party on my case expenses. My needs were put first and I was treated as a friend rather than a case file. Highly recommended if you want results!”