We’re the largest criminal law practice in New Zealand with over 150 criminal defence lawyers in 10 offices across New Zealand.

We only do criminal legal aid defence work.

After Legal Aid Services has granted legal aid we provide legal advice and representation to our clients. All our clients have been charged with a criminal offence.

We can help with all stages of the criminal process. This includes initial advice, trial, sentencing, and any appeals to the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. We also represent clients at parole hearings.

All of our lawyers are approved to provide criminal legal aid services by the Secretary for Justice.

Read more on the Ministry of Justice website(external link)

Our locations

We’re located in 10 cities across New Zealand, and operate in 15 District Courts (Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere, Manukau, Pukekohe, Papakura, Tauranga, Napier, Hastings, Hamilton, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley, Christchurch, Dunedin) their related High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Our offices are located in Auckland, Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore, Tauranga, Hamilton, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Duty lawyers

We oversee and provide duty lawyer services in the courts we operate in.

Duty lawyers can help you on the day of your first appearance in court. They’re already there in court, and you do not need to make an appointment to see a duty lawyer. They provide free legal assistance if you’ve been charged with an offence and don’t have a lawyer of your own.

Find out more about duty lawyer services on the Ministry of Justice website(external link)