Crown to split Auckland warrants
Incumbent Meredith Connell has already said it will contest the Auckland warrant, but is unsure about Manukau
Incumbent Meredith Connell has already said it will contest the Auckland warrant, but is unsure about Manukau
The Attorney-General has followed Crown Law’s recommendation to split the Auckland region into two Crown solicitor warrants.
Chris Finlayson has released a statement saying one warrant will be based in Auckland and the other in Manukau.
The split comes following the appointment of former Meredith Connell partner Simon Moore QC to the High Court bench, as well the enactment of the Criminal Procedure Act and funding changes.
Incumbent Meredith Connell has already said it will contest the Auckland warrant but is unsure about Manukau.
Meredith Connell director of litigation Brian Dickey saysthat, if the firm goes for the warrant, it will need to accelerate growth and open an office in Auckland’s south.
While the firm has of late been diversifying and expanding its commercial practice, Mr Dickey says Crown prosecution still represents 30% of the business.
Meredith Connell has 30 partners and nearly 200 lawyers and support staff, making it one of the biggest law firms in the country.