Your first line of defence
Claire is a barrister specialising in criminal law. She represents defendants at all phases of a criminal proceeding, from seeking bail for clients in custody, through to defending clients appearing in jury trials and arguing appeals in the higher Courts of New Zealand.
Claire is a longstanding member of Sentinel Chambers, a group of respected criminal barristers based in the Auckland CBD. She has 10 years of experience in criminal and regulatory litigation, having started her career working under a senior criminal lawyer in 2015. She now practises throughout the Auckland Courts where she is well known for her thorough, determined and empathetic approach.
Some examples of Claire’s recent wins in Court include:
Successfully arguing an appeal against sentence in the Court of Appeal. The client’s prison sentence was reduced by 10 months after Claire filed fresh evidence (in November 2024).
Persuading Judges presiding over jury trials to dismiss serious charges - murder and importing cocaine - at the end of the Crown case (in January and July 2024).
Securing acquittals in a jury trial involving allegations of sexual violence (May 2024).
Client discharged without conviction on a charge of assault with intent to injure with the assistance of expert evidence regarding the likelihood of deportation (January 2024).
Criminal law has been a passion for Claire since she left law school. You can be confident that she will devote the time and energy necessary to achieve the best outcome for your case.
Claire is available to take instructions privately or on Legal Aid. Claire can also accept civil cases under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 and acts for clients appearing before the New Zealand Parole Board.
Contact Claire to talk about your case today.
“We would like to thank you for representing our son, the past year has been quite stressful and emotional. Your professionalism and dedication have been nothing but amazing! Our family will never forget how much you have helped [client’s] situation and the outcome achieved.”
— [S & B] after Claire assisted their son to obtain a successful discharge without conviction on violence charges
“Claire did an amazing job with the result of saving my beloved pet. We were blown away by her top-level performance and total professionalism.”
— [K], whose dog was not ordered for destruction after causing a person serious injury
“The process was stressful and difficult, however I had a lawyer who was always honest with me. She made sure I was prepared for the worst outcome and I was ready to accept the result. However, thanks to Claire, I can follow my dreams and passions without worrying about the case. She is confident, honest and trustworthy. You can rely on her 100%”