Richard Marchant KC

About

Richard is a barrister at Acacia Chambers based in Auckland New Zealand.

He typically appears in the District and High Courts on a range of criminal litigation. He has extensive experience in prosecuting regulatory cases. Also appearing as defence counsel and as Amicus (appointed by the Court to assist the trial Judge). He has a particular expertise in criminal jury trials, disciplinary proceedings and coronial inquests.

He was formally a partner at the Crown Solicitor's office in Auckland for 20 years. During his last five years at the firm he was Chairman of the firm's board. He has prosecuted over 25 homicide trials as lead counsel and assisted in the prosecution of Q v Chris Kahui and Q v Anthonie Ronnie Dixon. He continues to prosecute serious crime as a panel member for two Crown Solicitor's offices.

Skill SeT

Richard has a varied skill set having worked on both sides of the courtroom. Displaying sound judgement, attention to detail and strong analytical skills. Richard is an excellent communicator, very effective and experienced advocate with strong presentation skills. Having worked as a prosecutor and for defendants Richard brings a unique perspective and is able to use this experience in successfully defending criminal cases. Richard has great empathy and builds strong professional relationships with clients.

Experience

He has prosecuted a large number of regulatory offences both in New Zealand and England and is currently a member of the New Zealand Law Society's disciplinary prosecution panel. He also prosecutes regulatory offences for Auckland Council.

Richard has conducted a large number of Coronial Inquests and presently does work for the Waitemata District Health Board. He has also received instructions from the Auckland District Health board.

He is also regularly appearing in the criminal courts as defence counsel.

In 2016 he was appointed by the Government as a Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). The Commission is the only ongoing Commission of Inquiry in the country's history. It investigates the cause and circumstances of serious air, sea and train incidents and accidents. The purpose of the Commission is to make findings and recommendations to ensure that there are no repeat accidents. He is also a member of the Transport Accident Investigation board.

He has been on the executive of the Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand and held various positions in the legal Services Agency, Ministry of Justice, Auckland District Law Society, Auckland Regional Courts Group and the Chief District Court Judges consultative group.

• Medico-legal society

• New Zealand Bar Association

• Criminal Bar Association - Executive 

• Auckland District Law Society

• Legal Services Agency

• Ministry of Justice

• Auckland Regional Courts Group

• Waitakere District Court Consultative Group

• Wanganui Collegiate Foundation Board

• Institute of directors