Partner - Auckland
Daniel McGivern
Daniel has acted in some of the Commonwealth’s largest competition and commercial disputes, bringing that experience and judgement to every case he leads.
Daniel has acted in some of the Commonwealth’s largest competition and commercial disputes, bringing that experience and judgement to every case he leads.
About
Daniel is an experienced commercial and regulatory litigator who leads the firm’s competition law practice. He has particular expertise in competition and consumer law, financial markets litigation, regulatory investigations and complex commercial disputes.
Daniel advises clients from the earliest stages of a dispute through to hearing and resolution. His clients have included the Commerce Commission, Financial Markets Authority, Ministry of Education, WorkSafe, Department of Internal Affairs and private clients involved in high-profile litigation.
Before returning to New Zealand in 2026, Daniel spent three years in London as a specialist competition litigator. During that time, he acted in major standalone and follow-on damages claims and collective proceedings, including Merricks v Mastercard, a landmark competition class action brought on behalf of millions of UK consumers.
Daniel brings a calm, disciplined approach to complex proceedings and remains closely focused on achieving his clients’ strategic objectives.
Recent Cases & Achievements
Actting for the Commerce Commission in cartel proceedings against Harcourts Group and four Christchurch real estate franchisees.
Acting for the Financial Markets Authority against Go Car Finance and Solvar in the first New Zealand responsible-lending case under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 to proceed to trial.
Acted for the Commerce Commission in responsible-lending proceedings involving Moola and Pretty Penny, both of which resulted in settlement.
Acted for the Commerce Commission against SCS (Christchurch) in a case concerning an attempted price-fixing arrangement between competing container depot operators.
Acted for Mastercard in Merricks v Mastercard, a landmark UK competition class action brought on behalf of millions of consumers.
Acted for Volvo/Renault in major UK follow-on damages claims arising from the European truck manufacturers’ cartel.
Acted for SHEIN against Temu in standalone competition claims between two of the world's largest online retailers.
Credentials
BCom/LLB (Hons), University of Auckland