Barrister with expertise in public law, medico-legal, and workplace investigations.

About me

Driven by a deep sense of justice and intellectual curiosity, I’m an attentive listener, incisive thinker, and clear communicator. My forensic approach and sensitive manner enable me to gather and synthesise complex information, and provide you with expert advice.

 

Areas of expertise

Public law

  • Represented clients in a junior and senior capacity in prominent judicial review proceedings (and related appeals), including:

  • Provided advice to private and public sector clients on a range of public law issues in the health, human rights and education contexts.

  • Represented a client in an investigation conducted by the Chief Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Act 1975, in which the Government’s conduct was found to be unlawful and unreasonable.

Medico-legal

  • Represented health practitioners in inquiries conducted under the Coroners Act 2006 and disciplinary matters under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA).

  • Provided advice to clients about obligations under the HPCA, Medicines Act 1981, Medicines Regulations 1984, Medicines (Standing Order) Regulations 2002, and Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

  • Secondment to Pharmac, 2023.

  • Advised and represented New Zealand Psychologists Board, Osteopathic Council and Chiropractic Board while in private practice, 2008 - 2011.

Workplace investigations

  • Conducted workplace investigations for NZDF and Corrections.

  • Conducted independent reviews of NZDF investigations.

Inquiries 

Coronial

  • Represented health practitioners in inquiries conducted under the Coroners Act 2006.

  • Drafted responses to the Coroner on behalf of public sector clients.

  • Acted as counsel assisting the Coroner.

Appointments

  • Appointed as a lay member of the Professional Conduct Committee for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

 

Experience

  • Barrister sole of the High Court of New Zealand, admitted to the Bar as a barrister and solicitor in 2005.

  • Clifton Chambers, since 2016.

  • Formerly at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts and the Crown Law Office, and a Judge’s Clerk at the Wellington High Court.

  • Adjunct lecturer and tutor in criminal law and procedure at Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Law, 2003 - 2005, 2007.

 

Qualifications

  • LLM, University of Michigan, 2007

    • Fulbright Graduate Award

    • Grotius Fellowship

  • LLB/BA (philosophy), Victoria University of Wellington, 2004

    • AH Johnstone Scholarship in Law

    • New Zealand Recent Law Review Prize