MICHELE WILKINSON-SMITH

Michele was appointed as Crown Solicitor for Whanganui in December 2016 and has been in practice as a Criminal Lawyer for 23 years. Michele was admitted to the Bar in 1993 and commenced practice as a Crown prosecutor in New Plymouth in June 1993. She remained with the Crown Solicitor’s firm for twelve years becoming a partner in 1998. Justice Brewer was the then Crown Solicitor for New Plymouth. Michele has appeared for the Crown as lead counsel in all categories of jury trial. In 2005 she moved to Auckland and practised as a barrister. Michele has appeared in all jurisdictions in New Zealand including in the Supreme Court. Between 2005 and 2016 she appeared as counsel for both prosecution and defence in numerous serious cases including more than 10 murder trials.

Michele prosecuted and defended cases at all levels including prosecuting for government departments. She has appeared in the civil jurisdiction for Government departments and as counsel in Judicial Review proceedings for civil legal aid clients. Michele has advised and appeared on Proceeds of Crime Applications for the Crown and defence. She has considerable experience in the higher appellate Courts. In 2012 Michele argued the leading case on propensity, R v Mahomed, in the Court of Appeal. Michele assisted in drafting the successful leave application to the Supreme Court.