About Me

I developed a fascination for criminal law many years before I was accepted into the University of Auckland School of Law in 1994.

I was fortunate to start my career in 1998 as a law clerk for the renowned barrister, Marie Dyhrberg QC.  I was admitted to the Bar in 1999 and practiced as a Barrister Sole until I joined the Public Defence Service as a Senior Lawyer in 2009, leading my own team of dedicated advocates during that time.  In 2016, I returned to the private Bar and I am now established in chambers in central Auckland.

I am a passionate defence advocate who works tirelessly and fearlessly to obtain the very best outcome for each and every one of my clients.  I firmly believe it is crucial to listen carefully to my clients and to provide straightforward advice in return.  I have a sound record of successful outcomes in the District Court and the High Court and I have represented clients in the Court of Appeal.

The journey through the justice system is daunting, overwhelming and frightening for most people.  I will represent and guide you through the system; ensuring you will be treated fairly from start to finish.

I hold the highest approval rating for legal aid.  I am also available to fee-paying private clients.*

This will be my fourth year as a member of the faculty of the New Zealand Law Society Litigation Skills, which teaches the National Institute for Trial Advocacy method.  Since 2009, I have been on the faculty of the New Zealand Law Society Introduction to Criminal Law course, which was presented by Noel Sainsbury, until his recent appointment as a District Court Judge.  In 2008, I presented a paper on ‘Alternative dispute resolution – Marae Justice’ to the 14th International Bar Association Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  I was invited to present a paper at the 2009 conference but was unable to attend.  I am a former member of the Criminal Law Committee of the Auckland District Law Society.  I am a former prosecutor for the Auckland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and have acted pro bono for two animal rights organisations.  I am a member of the New Zealand Law Society, the Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand, the Auckland Women Lawyers Association and Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (Māori Law Society Inc.)  I am a mentor for Te Whakahiapo Waikato Māori Law Students' Association.  In 2017, I was named as an Emerging Leader by SUPERdiverse Women, an organisation founded by Mai Chen. 

*I am a barrister sole and, as such I must be instructed by a solicitor.  I will assist you with this process also.