Practice Areas

Practice Areas

01/

Human Rights Law

New Zealand ​is a nation bound by the rule of law; the government is not above the law. It follows that state actions that limit guaranteed rights and freedoms should be lawful, reasonable and proportionate, and any intrusion into rights is the least necessary. As the law expects members of public to abide by the rules of society, is it too much to expect that the state obeys the rules too?

We can help you with:

  • civil actions for compensation for human rights breaches
  • petitions to the United Nations treaty bodies for violations of international law
  • advice on compliance with the Bill of Rights obligations
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02/

Appeals & Judicial Review

We are accomplished appellate advocates and have appeared on civil and criminal appeals from the High Court to the Supreme Court, in New Zealand and in the Court of Appeal of Western Samoa.

Additionally, we can help where there is no right of appeal, but where judicial review may be available to scrutinise a wide range of decisions affecting human rights. They can arise directly from District Court criminal cases, or where a governmental body, such as the Police or Corrections, has breached the rules of administrative law, causing a human rights infringement.

We can help you with:

  • appeals relating to human rights issues
  • appeals against conviction / sentence / refusal of bail
  • judicial review, especially under the Bill of Rights
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03/

Regulatory & Disciplinary

We have acted for both individuals and companies, handling regulatory and compliance investigations and proceedings. We also provides representation for professionals from other regulated sectors in relation to allegations of misconduct, for example, accountants, teachers, healthcare professionals and lawyers.

We can help you with:

  • ​advising in relation to investigations and prosecutions brought by entities such as WorkSafe, Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Department of Internal Affairs.
  • advising on investigations and disciplinary proceedings brought by professional regulatory bodies such as the Law Society, Teaching Council, Medical Council, and Nursing Council.
  • representation before disciplinary tribunals and appeals to the courts.
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04/

Inquests & Inquiries

Deaths from serious accidents or unknown causes are likely to end up in a courtroom. Coroners are tasked with establishing causes of death and can hold public hearings to do so. Family members, as well as people more closely linked to the death have aright to be heard at such inquests. We have significant experience in the coronial process, acting for family members of those who died, as well as those under suspicion of involvement in the death itself.

We can help you with:

  • advising on, and preparing, evidence for inquests and inquiries
  • preparing and presenting expert evidence
  • appearing on inquests and inquiries
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05/

Criminal

The prospect of going to court on a criminal charge can be daunting, but we can help you with all aspects of a criminal case. We hold all criminal legal aid trial and appeal categories, including life imprisonment cases.

We can help you with:

  • dealing with the police before charge
  • bail
  • complex pre-trial issues
  • jury trials
  • sentencing
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