Former member of chambers – Now Crown Solicitor for Whanganui
LLB Hons, Qualified 1993
Michele Wilkinson-Smith is a senior New Zealand lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in criminal defence and prosecution law.
She was admitted to the bar in 1993, acted as a senior Crown Prosecutor until 2004 and is a presenter at national conference and seminars.
Practicing mainly as a criminal defence lawyer since 2005, Michele is based in Parnell, Auckland, as well as having an office in Palmerston North.
Michele has been lead counsel for the defence in trials involving Class A drugs and sexual offending. She has been co-counsel for the defence in high profile murder trials including R v Christopher Kahui, R v Wickham, R v Donnelly and R v Martin.
Michele specialises in Court of Appeal work and is legal aid approved for this work, successfully overturning a conviction on sexual charges and a sentence of 13 years.
Michele is also Legal Aid approved for serious criminal defence trials including murder, drugs and historical sexual allegations.
Michele has been a member of the Legal Aid Review Panel from 2008-11, was a member of the Manawatu Crown Prosecution Panel since 2012 and has been a Visiting Justice since 2012.
Michele is available for cases throughout New Zealand.
Cell: 021 981 178