FAQ

does kathryn accept private clients or legal aid clients?

Kathryn accepts private instructions and also appears for legally aided clients. Her legal aid categorisation covers the most serious of criminal charges and representation in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

does kathryn only represent clients on serious charges?

Kathryn appears on a broad range of criminal matters. She represents clients on everything from minor charges, such as possession of cannabis, through to charges punishable by life imprisonment, such as murder or serious class A drug offending.

does kathryn undertake the work on a file, or does she delegate it to more junior practitioners?

Kathryn will always do the substantive work on each client file. She does on occasion need to utilise an agent (another lawyer) to appear on her behalf and under her instructions. This may happen if she has a conflicting court appearance or is in trial.

what courts does kathryn appear in?

Kathryn is available to appear in all Courts including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and the District Court. She is also available to appear in specialist Tribunals, Coronial Inquests and before the New Zealand Parole Board.

Does kathryn work outside of auckland?

Yes.

are there any cases kathryn won’t accept?

Kathryn won’t decline to act for you because of the subject matter of your charges. However, she won’t act if there is a conflict of interest or if she doesn’t have capacity because of existing commitments.

what are the costs involved?

For private instructions, fees and costs are discussed upfront. Fees can be by way of hourly rate or a fixed fee. Kathryn takes the upmost care to ensure that time spent on a case is relevant and productive; she focuses on action that has merit.

For legal aid, any payment is addressed between the Ministry of Justice and the client.

does kathryn work with any other professionals?

Kathryn regularly works with a range of other professionals and experts including private investigators, psychologists and psychiatrists, medical professionals and forensic experts. Kathryn also regularly uses interpreters, when required.