Attorney-General Announces Appointment of 19 King’s Counsel

Professor Philip Joseph is recognized for his distinguished career as a legal scholar and his significant contributions to public and constitutional law.

Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointments of 19 King’s Counsel, marking a significant recognition of excellence within New Zealand’s legal profession.

Known as silks, the rank of King’s Counsel is awarded to barristers sole who have demonstrated outstanding career achievements. This year’s appointments include 18 barristers sole and Professor Philip Joseph from the University of Canterbury, recognized for his exceptional contributions to public and constitutional law.

The new appointees, selected from 110 applicants, are:

Wendy Aldred: Specializes in public law, regulatory, and commercial litigation. Admitted to the bar in 1995 and to the UK bar in 2001.

Katherine Anderson: Expert in public law and human rights. Admitted to the bar in 1995.

Sarah Armstrong: Commercial barrister with extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK. Admitted to the bar in 1996.

Douglas Ewen: Specializes in human rights law and the treatment of prisoners. Admitted to the bar in 1996.

Sally Gepp: Focuses on resource management, public and administrative, and environmental law. Admitted to the bar in 2003.

Daniel Kalderimis: Expertise in commercial and public law disputes, international law. Admitted to the bar in 1999.

Zane Kennedy: Specializes in litigation, former partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. Admitted to the bar in 1993.

Alanya Limmer: Resource management law specialist. Admitted to the bar in 2001.

Kelly Quinn: Commercial barrister and construction law specialist. Admitted to the bar in 1993.

Philip Shamy: Focuses on criminal defence. Admitted to the bar in 1985.

Todd Simmonds: Specializes in criminal and regulatory litigation. Admitted to the bar in 1990.

Timothy Stephens: Broad litigation practice including public, commercial, and regulatory cases. Admitted to the bar in 1995.

Christopher Stevenson: Defence barrister with a focus on trial and appellate advocacy. Admitted to the bar in 1998.

Robert Stewart: Diverse civil and commercial litigation practice, specializing in defamation and media law. Admitted to the bar in 1991.

Nura Taefi: Expertise in commercial law, relationship property, and human rights. Admitted to the bar in 2009.

Anne Toohey: Barrister in public, civil, employment, and criminal law. Admitted to the bar in 1996.

Garry Williams: Intellectual property, media, and entertainment litigation specialist. Admitted to the bar in 1992.

Samuel Wimsett: Focuses on criminal, criminal proceeds, and professional/sports disciplinary litigation. Admitted to the bar in 2003.

Professor Philip Joseph is recognized for his distinguished career as a legal scholar and his significant contributions to public and constitutional law. He holds an LLB (Hons), LLM, and LLD, and has been a Professor of Law at the University of Canterbury since 2001.

Attorney-General Judith Collins expressed delight at the appointments, highlighting the diverse range of practice areas represented and the commitment of the new silks to supporting and mentoring colleagues, as well as increasing access to justice for all New Zealanders.

“These new silks are seen as leaders in setting and maintaining the standards of the profession. I congratulate them all on their appointment,” said Collins.

There was no appointment round in 2023, and the senior bar has seen a reduction in number due to retirements and existing silks being appointed to the bench, creating additional opportunities for experienced lawyers to be recognized.