Four independent criminal barristers.

Each member of Vulcan Chambers is instructed directly. Read a barrister below, then contact them on the line beneath their name. The defence, properly argued.

John Mather

Barrister

John Mather has appeared successfully in courts and tribunals throughout New Zealand, up to and including the Supreme Court. His practice centres on the criminal courts and on jury trials, drawing on broad experience across serious and complex defence work.

He acts for clients from first appearance through to trial and appeal, and is instructed directly by those who want a barrister who will prepare and argue the case personally.

While John's focus is on work in the criminal courts, including jury trials, he has extensive experience in all areas of law. John's experience and success speak for him.

Andrew Speed

Barrister · Admitted 1985

Andrew gives an uncompromising defence of your interests at whatever level the charge. His experience is broad and successful, ranging across the Court of Appeal, High Court and District Court, with more than 25 years in criminal defence.

He has represented defendants on successful acquittals on charges of murder, Class A, B and C drug trials including manufacturing and supply and large electronic operations, fraud, tax, transport, customs, firearms, and all manner of criminal prosecutions. His Court of Appeal successes include R v Williams, the leading case on search and seizure, and R v Hill, the leading case on home detention as a sentence.

Andrew prefers solicitor instructions but is available to take on all categories of legal aid work. He will meet with you at the earliest opportunity and is always available to talk about your case by appointment. He understands that facing criminal prosecution is a journey into the unknown for many people and their supporters, and he takes the time to explain the steps needed to reach the fairest and most just result for every client. His work also includes civil and administrative law cases.

Kevin Lamb

Barrister

Kevin Lamb specialises in criminal law, with experience across the Crimes Act, the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Land Transport Act, family violence charges, the Dog Control Act, matters involving mentally impaired persons, and Parole and Bail applications.

He acts for clients directly and is well placed to advise where a charge sits across these areas and how best to defend it.

Dr Elizabeth M. Gresson

Barrister · Emeritus Professor, RMIT University

Dr Elizabeth Gresson is a barrister sole at Vulcan Chambers, Auckland and Emeritus Professor, RMIT University, Melbourne. She specialises in criminal law. Elizabeth was admitted at the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia and High Court of NZ after a university career. She represents private and legally aided clients at District and High Courts, leads appeals, appears at Parole Board, and as Duty Lawyer at Manukau Court.

Elizabeth brings a wealth of life experience to law. Her strengths of advocacy and persuasion come from years of university lecturing, debating and public speaking at national and international levels. Elizabeth defends her clients with close attention to their specific needs and is fearless in advocating for the best outcomes in all matters.

Elizabeth holds a PhD (Auckland), Juris Doctor with Distinction (Melbourne), MA 1st Class Hons, and graduate diplomas in law, teaching and speech communications. 

For careful and vigilant representation of all legal matters contact Elizabeth. She listens and communicates with care, and attends to client needs with insight and wisdom. 

Speak to the barrister best placed for the case.

Contact a member directly, or send an enquiry and the chambers will direct it to the appropriate barrister.