Take that NZ: Lawyers consider suing the nation

A Hamilton legal firm has launched a tongue-in-cheek advertising campaign with a Boston Legal-style defamation action against New Zealand for giving the city a bad rap.

In an open letter that sounds like it comes straight from TV3's hit legal comedy drama, Tompkins Wake chief executive Richard Rowley said the company was considering suing the nation because it was difficult to recruit lawyers.

"We are seeking lawyers who have fallen victim to the misleading portrayal that in order to enjoy a successful legal career they must reside in a major city and sacrifice any meaningful lifestyle outside of their day-to-day employment responsibilities," Mr Rowley said in the letter published at http://www.thecaseforhamilton.co.nz and in legal newsletters.

"Compensation for victims is likely to include a lucrative career opportunity with rapid career advancement, and unparalleled lifestyle benefits such as lower housing and living costs, shorter commuting times, and a work-life balance."

The website, set up by King St Advertising for the campaign which launched this month, also includes "expert witness" written statements from Mr Rowley and partners Peter Duncan, Phil Taylor and James MacGillivray championing Hamilton's cause.

Mr MacGillivray has more than a passing resemblance to James Spader who plays Alan Shore in the hit show, and he appears with company partner Peter De Luca in an online send-up of the one-to-ones William Shatner's and Spader's characters enjoy at the end of each episode.

Mr Rowley, who moved to Hamilton five months ago from Auckland where he was New Zealand executive director of DLA Philips Fox, said the humorous campaign had done well for the company.

The website had received hits from London and New York after its 50 staff sent the weblink to friends.

"We are trying to fill about four lawyer positions and, as a consequence of this promotion, we have got some really good applications."

- © Fairfax NZ News