Kerryn Beaton KC
Specialist criminal silk appearing in the most serious trials, appeals, and inquiries
Serious cases. Complex issues. Experienced judgment.
Admitted to the Bar in 1995 and appointed King’s Counsel in 2021, I practise as senior counsel in complex and high-stakes criminal cases. I am instructed as defence counsel in the most serious matters before the courts, including homicide, and have particular expertise in cases involving abuse and vulnerable people. My practice also extends to commissions of inquiry and coronial proceedings. I am an approved provider of criminal and civil legal aid.
I have appeared extensively in jury trials in both the High Court and District Court, as well as in the appellate courts. My experience spans service as a senior Crown prosecutor and, since 2012, practice as defence counsel. I have acted for both the Crown and the defence in significant criminal appeals.
I was the founding Deputy Public Defender in Christchurch, responsible for establishing the regional Public Defence Service. In that role, I led a team of lawyers and contributed to the development of standards for high-quality criminal defence representation.
I have been appointed to a number of major public inquiries in New Zealand and internationally. These include serving as counsel assisting the Pike River Royal Commission, as a legal officer with the United Nations in the Khmer Rouge investigations in Cambodia, and as senior counsel assisting the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. I also act for families and other interested parties in coronial inquests and am appointed as counsel to assist the Coroner’s Court.
I contribute to the profession through advisory and training roles. I teach advocacy skills and mentor junior lawyers, and regularly present on criminal law issues. I am a member of the Legal Aid Provider Criminal Selection Committee, the Panel of Specialist Advisors to Te Kāhui Tātari Ture (Criminal Cases Review Commission), and am appointed by the Secretary of Justice as a Legal Aid Auditor. I currently serve on the New Zealand Bar Association Criminal Law Committee.
In 2018, I co-founded Walker Street Chambers in Christchurch, now a leading specialist criminal chambers. Its members provide representation and strategic advice to clients throughout New Zealand.
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CONTACT:
Email :: kerryn@beaton.co.nz
Work :: 03 661 7000
Mobile :: 021 351 820
Office :: Walker Street Chambers, Level 2,
40 Walker Street, Christchurch