Susan is a senior criminal barrister with expertise in all aspects of criminal law ranging from jury trials in the District and High Courts to appeal hearings in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. She represents clients facing all charges including sexual offending, drug and firearms offending, serious violence and murder.

After being admitted to the bar in 1985, Susan worked at the Auckland Crown Solicitor’s office as a prosecutor for 14 years – for 11 years as a partner.  She left to join the Auckland Public Defence Service. Since 2016, she has been an independent barrister. She is a member of the New Zealand Law Society criminal law committee and co-founder of The Good Lawyer, a non-profit initiative which provides books and shirts to prisoners.

In addition to criminal hearings, Susan also undertakes regular work in parole and coronial inquests. Part of her practice is dedicated to civil claims for compensation on behalf of prisoners who have suffered mistreatment whilst in custody.

Susan 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, Celine Shao.