Michele Wilkinson-Smith
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2024) |
Michele Wilkinson-Smith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Justice of the High Court | |
| Assumed office 1 February 2024 | |
| Appointed by | Attorney-General Judith Collins |
| Crown Soliciter for Whanganui | |
| In office 2016–2024 | |
| Preceded by | Lance Rowe |
| Succeeded by | Chris Wilkinson-Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Spouse | Chris Wilkinson-Smith |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Auckland University School of Law |
| Profession | Judge, Solicitor |
Michele Marina Wilkinson-Smith is a High Court Judge in New Zealand. She was appointed to this position by Attorney-General Judith Collins. Her appointment took effect on 1 February 2024.[1]
Wilkinson-Smith graduated with an LLB (Hons) from Auckland University School of Law in 1993. She began her legal career as a staff solicitor with Brewer Mazengarb in New Plymouth, later becoming a partner of Auld Brewer Mazengarb and McEwen in 1998. In 2004, she joined the independent bar, practicing as both a defense barrister in Auckland and Crown panel prosecutor in Palmerston North until 2016.[2]
During her career, she was involved in several high-profile cases, including defending Chris Kahui, who was acquitted of murder in a High Court trial. She also served as a member of the Legal Aid Review Panel and as a Visiting Justice at Whanganui Prison.
In 2016, Wilkinson-Smith was appointed Crown solicitor for Whanganui, succeeding Lance Rowe. She and her husband, Chris Wilkinson-Smith, established legal offices in Whanganui.
She has also been a member of the Legal Aid Performance Review Committee since 2015.
References
[edit]- ^ "Whanganui Crown solicitor appointed High Court Judge". NZ Herald. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ "Wilkinson Smith - Legal Experts in Whanganui".
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