Barrister — Hamilton, Waikato
Civil Litigation Barrister
Strong advocacy and practical advice for clients navigating civil disputes, estate and trust matters, coronial inquests, and commercial litigation across New Zealand.
Jessica Gilby-Todd is a barrister sole practising civil litigation in Hamilton, Waikato. Known for her strong advocacy and practical approach, she is committed to achieving the best outcomes for clients while minimising the stress and uncertainty that litigation brings.
Having established her practice as a barrister sole in 2026, Jessica brings experience from large and medium-sized firms across New Zealand and Western Australia, including a Senior Associate role at a prominent Hamilton firm. She spent three years as an employed barrister to a King's Counsel before establishing her own practice.
Jessica's practice has a primary focus on disputes involving deceased estates and family trusts. She has appeared in complex coronial inquests and has a particular interest in helping whānau and interested parties navigate the coroner's jurisdiction during what is often a very difficult time.
Jessica also negotiates successful outcomes for clients through alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.
Jessica is Deputy Convenor of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Standards Committee No. 2, assessing complaints made against lawyers.
Areas of Practice
Jessica acts for individuals, trustees, executors, businesses, and professional advisers across a wide range of civil disputes. Jessica is based in Hamilton but is available to act on matters nation-wide. Instructions are accepted from solicitors and direct from members of the public in certain circumstances.
Acting for family members, executors, and beneficiaries in all aspects of estate litigation.
Acting for both trustees and beneficiaries in trust disputes, and in non-contentious applications for directions.
Representing whānau and interested parties through the coroner's jurisdiction — including coronial inquests and hearings — with sensitivity and care during a difficult time.
Claims against lawyers, accountants, financial advisers, and other professionals who have fallen below the required standard of care.
Litigation and dispute resolution for private and commercial parties in the Waikato and nationally, including contract, property, and debt matters.
Achieving negotiated outcomes without the cost and delay of full litigation, including mediation representation across all practice areas.
Contact
Address
Riverbank Chambers
Level 5, The Riverbanks
286 Victoria Street
Hamilton 3204
Mobile
022 473 8575Instructions are accepted from solicitors and direct from members of the public in certain circumstances. All enquiries are treated as confidential. Initial enquiries do not create a lawyer-client relationship.
