Dentons announced the promotion of four new partners in New Zealand. David Newport, Jeremy Bell-Connell, Madison Hajek, and Peter Callus have all been promoted.
Newport, Bell-Connell, and Callus will join the partnership on July 1, 2026, subject to satisfying Law Society requirements. Hajek will join the partnership upon her return from maternity leave.
Dentons said the promotions reflect the firm’s internal talent and recent growth. The firm also said the appointments strengthen its national presence and commitment to client service.
Newport joins the leadership of Dentons’ Major Projects and Construction team. He is a disputes and insurance specialist known for his strategic approach and focus on achieving early and efficient resolutions.
Newport has significant High Court litigation experience and advises on construction contract disputes through arbitration and adjudication. He also has deep expertise in liability and construction insurance.
Hajek is also being promoted within the Major Projects and Construction team. Her promotion reflects Dentons’ continued investment in construction leadership and its commitment to the construction and infrastructure sector.
Hajek focuses on resolving construction disputes through mediation, arbitration, court proceedings, and adjudication. As a former in-house lawyer, she brings a pragmatic and business-focused approach to advising contractors, principals, and subcontractors.
Bell-Connell’s promotion strengthens Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution leadership. He advises on complex disputes, including high-stakes commercial and private wealth matters.
Bell-Connell brings international experience from London and the Channel Islands. Dentons said this background positions him to support clients on cross-border matters.
Callus joins the partnership in the Corporate and Commercial group in Wellington. His practice covers corporate advisory, commercial projects, structuring, public sector advisory, strategic frameworks, supply and services agreements, and business acquisitions.
Callus has also built a dedicated capability in renewable energy and energy transition. Dentons said his promotion deepens its national corporate and commercial offering and supports the firm’s work on major transactions and infrastructure programs in New Zealand.
KEY QUOTES:
“David, Jeremy, Madison and Peter each represent the very best of our firm – they are talented, driven and committed to their clients. Promoting from within is something we value enormously. This is a proud moment for us. I have no doubt they will thrive and continue to make a real difference for our clients and our people. The whole partnership is committed to supporting them in this.”
Charles Spillane, Chief Executive of Dentons
“Each of this year’s promotions reflects the quality of the homegrown talent we have at Dentons. We see it every day in how David, Jeremy, Madison and Peter show up for their clients and for with our people. Welcoming them into the partnership is an exciting moment for the firm. We are committed to supporting them as they grow in their new roles, and I look forward to watching everything they will go on to achieve.”
Hayden Wilson, Chair of Dentons New Zealand and Global Vice Chair
