Emma is a specialist criminal barrister admitted to the bar in 1999. She appears on all criminal matters including jury trials, parole hearings and appeals to the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Emma has worked as both a Crown prosecutor, defence lawyer and counsel to assist the Court.  She is a member of the Criminal Bar Association executive committee, is convener of The Law Association Parole and Prisoners’ Rights Committee and a member of the NZBA Criminal Law Committee. Emma teaches for the NZ Law Society at the Stepping Up, Litigation Skills and “How to Run a Jury Trial” programmes. She is a founder of The Good Lawyer, a non-profit initiative which provides books and shirts to prisoners.

Emma represents clients facing all criminal charges including serious violence, dishonesty, sexual crimes and murder. Emma’s clients value her energy, tenacity and approachability. She is well known for her work on high-profile cases and is recognised as a top criminal lawyer nationally.

Emma accepts private instructions and is an approved legal aid provider for PAL 4 and appellate matters.

She is assisted in her practice by her junior barrister, Pearl Wilks and law clerk, Sophie Wood.

Full details of her expertise can be found on linkedin and her website www.emmapriest.co.nz