BARRISTER
Richard was admitted to the Bar in 2005 and practiced as a Barrister and Solicitor until March 2018. For five of those years he was a partner in a medium sized law firm. Since becoming a lawyer he has worked mainly in the areas of criminal defence and Family Court work. He also has a strong background in relationship property, conveyancing and general practice. Since becoming a barrister Richard specialises in Family Court and Criminal Defence work. Richard appears in both the Invercargill and Gore District Courts. He has also acted for Appellants in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Richard is a Court-Appointed Lawyer for Child, a Youth Advocate, and Lawyer to Assist.
I undertake a wide range of criminal matters including traffic charges, violent offending, dishonesty and more.
Within the Family Court jurisdiction, I provide representation and assistance in care and contact, domestic violence and Oranga Tamariki Act matters. I am registered to provide legal aid services.
I am a current Council Member and former President of the Southland Branch of the New Zealand Law Society.
I sat on the judicial panel for the Southland Rugby Union from 2013 to 2024.
I have been an executive committee member of the New Zealand Law Society Family Law section since 2015 and am the current Chair.
I am an adjudicator for the Racing Integrity Board.
I was a Senior Lawyer on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care Legal Assistance Panel.
Call me on 021 22 66 104 to discuss your case and your needs
Richard Smith