David Johnstone
BCom/LLB (Hons) Auckland University; LLM (Hons) Cambridge University
Admitted to the Bar in New Zealand: 1992
David is a highly experienced trial and appellate lawyer. His focus in recent years has been upon criminal prosecution, appeals and judicial review in the criminal justice arena. His particular specialty is organised (profit-motivated) crime, including drug- and gang-related crime, corruption, immigration and benefit fraud, and actions to recover criminal proceeds.
He also undertakes general commercial and other civil litigation and provides advice to both governmental and private clients.
Sample Mandates
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David is the firm's liaison partner for enforcement agencies engaged with combating organised crime, including the Organised Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ), the various Auckland-based Police organised crime units and the Immigration Service.
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David was the Solicitor-General's regular counsel in proceedings brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1991 in the greater Auckland area. He now undertakes a similar role for the Commissioner of Police in civil asset recovery proceedings under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.