Robin is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most experienced and respected trial lawyers, enjoying the trust and confidence of the senior judiciary and his colleagues in the profession. He was a Partner at Meredith Connell (MC) for nine years. In the past few years, he has prosecuted some of the most high-profile, evidentially complex and emotionally charged cases to come before the courts. He is known as a technically excellent lawyer and advocate, but also someone who is approachable, collaborative and easy to work with.
Robin accepts instructions in many areas of litigation including regulatory and civil matters, inquests and inquiries, proceeds of crime proceedings and criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Towards the end of his time at MC, Robin’s focus was on prosecuting the most serious criminal cases in Auckland. He enjoys a reputation as a formidable and fair prosecutor.
In the first part of his career at MC, Robin was in the proceeds of crime team. He appeared in numerous applications brought in the High Court by the Commissioner of Police. He retains an interest in proceeds of crime work having specialised in it for many years.
Robin is approved and instructed by Crown Law to appear for the Crown in conviction and sentence appeals, and has done so for many years. Robin has a strong reputation as an appellate advocate, including appearing in cases requiring cross-examination in the Court of Appeal, such as the Scott Watson appeal.
In addition to Crown prosecutions and proceeds of crime proceedings, in his time at MC Robin advised and appeared for a huge number of departmental regulators and Crown entities. These instructions included regulatory prosecutions, but also appearances in numerous specialist tribunals, and also in civil proceedings and defending applications for judicial review. Those clients included: the FMA, MBIE, MPI, the Commerce Commission, the Department of Corrections, DIA, the Real Estate Authority, the Teaching Council, NZTA, and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. He has also acted for the New Zealand Law Society.
October 2000—May 2008: Barrister at 6, King’s Bench Walk, London
Robin was in practice as a barrister in London before emigrating to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2008. 6 King’s Bench Walk is a leading set of Chambers. His practice was in criminal law (for the prosecution and defence), and public and regulatory law. From 2003—2004 Robin took a year out of practice to take up a role as a judicial assistant (clerk) in the House of Lords, principally assisting Lord Steyn.
Education
(This is the vocational training required to be a barrister in England and Wales.)
1998—1999: CPE (Diploma in Law) with distinction from City, University of London. (This is the “conversion course” it is possible to undertake in England and Wales for those whose first degree is in a subject other than law.)
1996—1997: MPhil in Classics (Ancient Philosophy) at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge
Robin’s Masters dissertation was on Presocratic metaphysics. If you’re not careful, he’ll tell you all about it.
1993—1996: MA (First Class Honours) in Classics at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge
