Your external
in-house counsel
All of the benefits
without the overheads
CHRIS LEE, LLB, BCom
Chris provides corporate and commercial legal advice to a range of exciting NZ and international clients, helping them to grow their businesses faster – through acquisitions, raising capital and organically by securing strategic partnerships through strong commercial agreements; protecting and enhancing IP; navigating shareholder and director issues and assisting with corporate and regulatory compliance.
Services
Buying/Selling a Business
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Commercial Contracts
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Shareholder Agreements
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Shareholder and Director Advice
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ABOUT
All about
cdl law
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APPROACH
My goal is to protect what you care about most
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TESTIMONIALS
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Leah Yurfset
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Roy Gold
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Nela Yliuay
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Title 03
Some of my clients
Get
in Touch
Testimonials
Having Chris as Greenlight’s lawyer is like us having an amazing in-house counsel — without the hefty, fixed overhead! Whatever the legal issue, we know we can call him, and he’ll either have the answer, or tell us straight if it’s outside his wheelhouse. He’s got a solid network of trusted specialists and consultants who think like him—practical, no punches pulled, and fair on price.
We have used Chris for almost a decade and would recommend him to any business, owner or directors who need legal advice PLUS the right guy in your corner when you need him most.
Brenden Townsend
Greenlight Insurance Brokers
Chris’ ability to cut through the noise and get straight to the core of an issue is invaluable, and his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach makes all the difference. But, what truly sets him apart is not just his expertise, but the way he operates—he’s not only a sharp legal mind but also a thoroughly good guy. He understands the realities of business, offers practical advice that works in the real world, genuinely cares about his clients' success and builds very strong personal relationships.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chris to anyone looking for a top-tier commercial lawyer who delivers real results.
Zac De Silva
Business Changing
Chris Lee was recommended to me in 2013 when I was entering my business, and I have relied on Chris’s support, advice and knowledge on a number of occasions ever since. Chris has supported me and my business on a range of commercial law matters ranging from initial stakeholder structuring, due diligence and purchase of 2 further businesses, establishment of customer terms of trade, trade mark registration, intellectual property advice, and recent restructuring and refinancing of several entities from one extended family trust structure into a new structure.
In particular, in both of the business acquisition processes and corporate entity restructuring, Chris’s input and forethought helped anticipate requirements and achieve outcomes that satisfied the priorities of all parties.
I have always found Chris’s advice to be thorough, considered, practical and timely. I value Chris’s strong commercial acumen, his ability to facilitate numerous groups, and his ability to oversee agreements through to a highly specific level of detail.
Mark Carley
Hire Plants Limited
Chris helped us get our first big project over the line, which was enormously important to our fledgling business. He came up to speed very quickly in an area that is highly technical and in a deal where I was so personally “invested” as a company founder. Chris listened really well and struck a good balance between knowing when to step in and, crucially, when to step back.
Michael Eaglen
EV Maritime
Having Chris on a monthly retainer has been one of the smartest decisions we’ve made for our business. The regular check-ins help us stay ahead of potential legal issues, rather than reacting to them after the fact.
His availability and fast turnaround give us real confidence, so we never hesitate to pick up the phone or send a message whenever anything pops up.
If you’re looking for an external lawyer who operates with the responsiveness and insight of a top-tier in-house counsel, Chris is a fantastic choice.
Lance Jimmieson & Tammy Donaldson
Jacksons Engineering
Chris is the kind of advisor you want in your corner. He made the complex process of setting up a shareholders agreement feel seamless - guiding us through the tough conversations, simplifying the legal details, and always steering us toward the best possible outcome. Calm, personable, and deeply knowledgeable, he’s become our go-to for sound advice on everything from governance to growth. Highly recommend.
Ben Reid
Milk
As unió™ navigates the fast-paced challenges of startup mode, Chris has been an invaluable asset - especially in securing key partnerships and structuring our initial cap raise. His ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights has empowered me to make informed decisions with confidence. Chris balances long-term strategic thinking with a pragmatic approach to closing deals, ensuring unió™ is positioned for sustained success. Having him on our team makes all the difference.
Rachel Oakley
Chris Lee was recommended to me in 2013 when I was entering my business, and I have relied on Chris’s support, advice and knowledge on a number of occasions ever since. Chris has supported me and my business on a range of commercial law matters ranging from initial stakeholder structuring, due diligence and purchase of 2 further businesses, establishment of customer terms of trade, trade mark registration, intellectual property advice, and recent restructuring and refinancing of several entities from one extended family trust structure into a new structure.
In particular, in both of the business acquisition processes and corporate entity restructuring, Chris’s input and forethought helped anticipate requirements and achieve outcomes that satisfied the priorities of all parties.
I have always found Chris’s advice to be thorough, considered, practical and timely. I value Chris’s strong commercial acumen, his ability to facilitate numerous groups, and his ability to oversee agreements through to a highly specific level of detail.
Mark Carley
Hire Plants Limited
Chris helped us get our first big project over the line, which was enormously important to our fledgling business. He came up to speed very quickly in an area that is highly technical and in a deal where I was so personally “invested” as a company founder. Chris listened really well and struck a good balance between knowing when to step in and, crucially, when to step back.
Michael Eaglen
EV Maritime
Having Chris as Greenlight’s lawyer is like us having an amazing in-house counsel — without the hefty, fixed overhead! Whatever the legal issue, we know we can call him, and he’ll either have the answer, or tell us straight if it’s outside his wheelhouse. He’s got a solid network of trusted specialists and consultants who think like him—practical, no punches pulled, and fair on price.
We have used Chris for almost a decade and would recommend him to any business, owner or directors who need legal advice PLUS the right guy in your corner when you need him most.
Brenden Townsend
Greenlight Insurance Brokers
Chris’ ability to cut through the noise and get straight to the core of an issue is invaluable, and his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach makes all the difference. But, what truly sets him apart is not just his expertise, but the way he operates—he’s not only a sharp legal mind but also a thoroughly good guy. He understands the realities of business, offers practical advice that works in the real world, genuinely cares about his clients' success and builds very strong personal relationships.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chris to anyone looking for a top-tier commercial lawyer who delivers real results.
Zac De Silva
Business Changing
Chris is the kind of advisor you want in your corner. He made the complex process of setting up a shareholders agreement feel seamless - guiding us through the tough conversations, simplifying the legal details, and always steering us toward the best possible outcome. Calm, personable, and deeply knowledgeable, he’s become our go-to for sound advice on everything from governance to growth. Highly recommend.
Ben Reid
Milk
We love having Chris on a monthly retainer!
The regular meetings help us proactively manage potential legal issues.
Plus, his general availability and speed of response mean we never hesitate to reach out with questions.
If you want an external lawyer that thinks and acts like a great in-house counsel, give Chris a try.
Lance Jimmieson & Tammy Donaldson
Jacksons Engineering
As unió™ navigates the fast-paced challenges of startup mode, Chris has been an invaluable asset - especially in securing key partnerships and structuring our initial cap raise. His ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights has empowered me to make informed decisions with confidence. Chris balances long-term strategic thinking with a pragmatic approach to closing deals, ensuring unió™ is positioned for sustained success. Having him on our team makes all the difference.
Rachel Oakley
Some of my clients
Services
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Buying/Selling a Business
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Commercial Contracts
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Shareholder Agreements
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.