I am a senior criminal lawyer. I have many years of experience of providing clients with realistic and easy to understand advice that is practical and focused on the client’s needs.
I have established myself as a leading specialist in criminal appellate litigation. I have appeared on many of New Zealand’s leading and reported cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. I have been appointed by the Court of Appeal and High Court as amicus curiae (counsel to assist the Court).
I was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1999 and joined the independent bar in 2017. Before that, I was the Public Defence Service’s General Counsel and oversaw the PDS’s appellate practice. Prior to joining the PDS, I was Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office in Wellington, where I led appeals in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on behalf of the Solicitor-General. I was a senior Crown prosecutor and have substantial jury trial experience in all types of serious criminal cases for both the prosecution and defence. I commenced my career as a specialist commercial and employment lawyer at a large firm in Wellington.
I served three terms as Deputy Chair of the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal between 2016 and 2025.
I am a regular presenter to the profession on behalf of the New Zealand Law Society, New Zealand Bar Association and Criminal Bar Association. I also serve as the convenor of the New Zealand Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee.
Nick was appointed to the senior rank of King’s Counsel (‘took silk’) in 2022.
Sarah is an employed barrister. She holds a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from Queen’s University Belfast and a Master of Laws with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland.
Upon relocating from Northern Ireland in 2016, Sarah began her career in Aotearoa New Zealand at the Manukau District Court, firstly as a Youth Court Registrar and later as a Judges’ Clerk. In these roles, Sarah gained diverse experience across the criminal and civil jurisdictions and cultivated a strong interest in criminal justice.
In 2021 and 2022 Sarah pursued postgraduate studies, culminating in her thesis titled “‘Crossover Young Adults’: The Case for a Neurodevelopmentally-Aware, Trauma-Informed Approach to Sentencing Young Adults with Criminal Justice and Care and Protection Involvement”. Throughout the course of her postgraduate studies, Sarah tutored Criminal Law and Legal Method.
In 2022 and 2023 Sarah held the role of Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland where she taught Law and Society.
Sarah was admitted to the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand in February 2024.
Katie is Nick’s employed barrister. She was admitted to the bar in 2024 and holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland. Katie’s dissertation focused on a “trauma-informed approach to criminal justice in New Zealand”. She strives to use this knowledge in her everyday practice.
Katie is assisting Nick while Sarah is on extended leave.
Katie has worked on a variety of cases from traffic offences to serious drugs charges, violence, sexual violence, and a range of conviction and sentence appeals. She is a dedicated advocate, treating all clients with respect and empathy. She previously worked for Tiffany Cooper KC.
Katie is a PAL 1 legal aid provider.
Nick is assisted in his practice by Peta who is a qualified Legal Executive with more than 30 years’ experience in the criminal law arena, having worked for both the Crown and defence in the UK and NZ.
Peta has an extensive knowledge of the criminal legal system and court procedures and is known for her calm, friendly and approachable manner.
I am a specialist criminal defence lawyer. I accept instructions on the following matters:
I accept instructions in employment matters, including as workplace investigator.
I accept instructions in professional disciplinary proceedings.
Augusta Chambers
Level 9, 115 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, 1010
