Alex Summerlee

Alex is a partner in Parry Field Lawyers’ Litigation and Disputes team, where he helps to lead one of the South Island’s largest litigation teams. He first joined Parry Field in 2015 and returned to the firm after completing postgraduate study overseas. He was promoted to Partner in April 2022.

Alex is experienced in achieving negotiated outcomes, as well as representing clients in arbitrations, at a variety of tribunals, and at all levels of the New Zealand Courts. His litigation experience covers a broad range of areas such as insurance and construction law, shareholder and partnership disputes, international custody (Hague Convention), and civil and human rights claims.

Outside of court, Alex is a sought after and trusted adviser to national commercial businesses and charities (including entities managing assets in excess of $500m). He advises high-net-worth charities about the property they hold on trust, helping them to understand both the constraints and opportunities, and how they can unlock and deploy those assets for maximum impact, including by trust variation. He also delivers governance training to a variety of boards around New Zealand.

In September 2025, Alex was appointed Chancellor to the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, following several years of service as Vice Chancellor. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Board of Proprietors of St Mark’s School, and is involved in law reform as a member of the Law Association of New Zealand Civil Litigation Committee. Alex leads the firm’s relationship with Hagar New Zealand, supporting its work with survivors of human trafficking.

Alex holds an LLB (Hons) and BA (French and Political Science majors) from the University of Canterbury, and a Master of Studies (MSt) in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford. He is fluent in French and conversant in Spanish.