PAUL DACRE KC: criminal law specialist       PAUL DACRE KC: criminal law specialist       PAUL DACRE KC: criminal law specialist       PAUL DACRE KC: criminal law specialist       PAUL DACRE KC: criminal law specialist      

About Paul

Paul is a highly experienced criminal defence lawyer with a reputation for excellence in handling complex legal cases.
He is committed to providing a top tier legal defence.

Paul was appointed King’s Counsel in 2013.  He has successfully represented clients in high-profile legal cases across New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as the USA and the UK.  Paul is well aware of the Crown’s technical and scientific resources.  He has ready access to alternative experts both in New Zealand and overseas.

With over a decade of experience, Paul Dacre KC has successfully represented clients in high-stakes legal battles across New Zealand and the Pacific.

His analytical prowess and ability to clarify intricate legal issues highlight his commitment to delivering outstanding legal defence. Paul is renowned for his unwavering dedication to justice and client advocacy.

His strategic approach and meticulous preparation have led to numerous acquittals and favourable verdicts, establishing him as a highly sought-after criminal defence attorney in the region.


Fluent in Mandarin, Paul offers specialised services to Mandarin-speaking clients, providing comprehensive legal representation for a diverse clientele.

Areas of Expertise

Murder

Murder is our most serious crime. Paul has acted in many murder trials including successfully defending a death penalty trial in California; acting for New Zealand’s first serial killer; appearing on multi accused trials; acting in Mr Big scenario cases as well as a number of cases arising from domestic situations.

SFO / Fraud

Paul has successfully appeared on some of New Zealand’s longest and most complex Serious Fraud Office and fraud trials. These include prosecutions for alleged political donations, acting for professionals accused of misconduct, Members of Parliament accused of criminal behaviour and directors involved in collapsed companies and failed investment schemes.

Financial Markets
Authority Prosecutions

Financial Markets Authority (FMA) prosecutions require a defence lawyer with exceptional expertise and strategic insight. Paul is recognised for his skill in defending clients against FMA prosecutions. Paul’s strategic legal acumen ensures that every facet of the prosecution’s case is carefully scrutinised and contested. Paul’s ability to translate complex financial data into clear, persuasive arguments is essential in these high-stakes scenarios.

Serious Drug Offending

Paul has successfully represented clients charged with the importation, manufacturing and distribution of controlled drugs. These cases have involved some of the largest importations of drugs into New Zealand, as well as large scale manufacturing and significant distribution. He has acted for all tiers of clients from alleged organisers to “catchers and mules”.

Proceeds of Crime

Proceeds of crime cases, involving confiscation and forfeiture of assets alleged to be obtained through illegal activities. Paul excels in this highly specialised area of law. With a comprehensive understanding of financial crime and asset recovery.

Tribunals

Navigating the complexities of tribunal hearings demands expert legal representation, and Paul, excels in this domain. With extensive experience across various tribunals, Paul provides exceptional representation for clients facing regulatory, disciplinary, and administrative hearings.

Sexual Offending

Alleged sexual offending are amongst the most concerning and serious charges. Paul has acted in many historical allegations, multi accused cases and allegations arising in the workplace including institutional care. Paul is very familiar with the complex legal and evidential issues which arise in cases of this nature including defences such as sexsomnia.

Professional Appointments

  • King’s Counsel
  • Public Defender for Pitcairn Islands
  • Criminal Bar Association – Former President
  • New Zealand Bar Association – Former Council Member
  • Law Association Criminal Committee – Former Convener
  • New Zealand Litigation Skills Programme (Advanced) – Faculty Member
  • Crowns Solicitor’s Prosecution Panel – Former Member

Affiliations

  • New Zealand Criminal Bar Association
  • New Zealand Law Society
  • New Zealand Bar Association
  • Medico Legal Society
  • International Bar Association
  • Law Association
  • The Law Association of New Zealand