Ron Mansfield KC: Championing Justice in New Zealand’s Criminal Defence Arena

John Bowie, LawFuel publisher

Ron Mansfield KC is LawFuel’s Lawyer of the Year 2024 – joining the pantheon of champion lawyers named by LawFuel over the past 10 years.

Mansfield stands as a key figure in New Zealand’s criminal defense circles, following the catalogue of criminal defence legends led by the likes of Peter Williams, Kevin Ryan, Mike Bungay, Roy Stacey and a handful of others.

In an age of digitised applications, zoom calls and remote working, there is little room for legal ‘characters’ to develop. Although Ron Mansfield may not have assumed the role of the criminal bar’s most theatrical characters, he has nonetheless achieved a key position atop the criminal bar in New Zealand and is acknowledged by clients and colleagues alike as the best-of-breed.

The criminal bar has often been somewhat lacking in characters and leadership with something of a dearth of major practitioners who truly carry influence.

There was previously a distinctly boys’ club aspect to the criminal work with type-A males dominating. Banter in the robing room of old has seen some old timers miss the glory days and romance of the past.

Ron Mansfield does not fit the old boys mould, but fits the current more open and inclusive criminal bar.

As we noted in this year’s Power List, the criminal bar has also been increasingly graced by the introduction of more women than ever who prove every bit the fire-eating defenders of their clients and of the law as any of the males-of-old. Lawyers like Anoushka Bloem who has developed one of the best criminal law practices in the country, training and mentoring younger lawyers and adding an important new element to the criminal bar.

For colleagues, he has been recognized to us as ‘rock star’ criminal lawyer, a genuine person who contributes and mentors as well as of course defends with vigour and professionalism.

And this year, courtesy of the Polkinghorne courtroom extravaganza, he has also become something close to the household name – the ‘go to’ lawyer for those in serious trouble.

The wall-to-wall Polkinghorne trial with its Shakespearian drama and with enough dirty linen to fill laundries from Auckland to Akaroa, the trial came to get us no matter where we hid.

He was, as the NZ Herald’s courtroom diarist of Steven Braunias noted:

“McClintock and Dickey make a formidable pair, but Polkinghorne is defended, inevitably, by Ron Mansfield. Not since the fall of the house of Barry Hart has an Auckland criminal lawyer been so ubiquitous, so present at high-profile cases.” Steve Braunias, NZ Herald courtroom diarist.

And so, the mantle of criminal law’s top dog must go to Ron Mansfield KC – along with our award as overall LawFuel Lawyer of the Year 2024.

Prosecution Beginnings

Graduating with law and commerce degrees from Otago University in 1989, Ron Mansfield began his criminal law career at Preston Russell Invercargill, working for the Crown Solicitor until 1994 when he moved to Meredith Connell in Auckland where he worked for then Crown Solicitor Simon Moore.

He moved to the Bar in 2000 and quickly established his reputation as an experienced, shrewd and effective criminal defender, building his reputation on a series of high-profile cases that showcase his skills as a criminal defense lawyer, but also his interest in attempts to enhance and defend the judicial process.

He has shown himself ready to step beyond the court to argue a cause that merits defence, such as his criticism of the Chief District Court judge who he claimed had undermined efforts by court staff to mount legal action for better pay and conditions in 2018.

In 2013 he argued for the rights of peaceful protect for the anti-capitalist Occupy Auckland protests in Aotea Square.

His tireless worth ethic and meticulous preparation characteristics have also helped make him with both clients and colleagues alike.

Landmark Cases

Mansfield has represented clients in some of New Zealand’s most challenging and media-scrutinized criminal proceedings. Moving from the chichi vibe of Remuera in the Polkinghorne case, which put the tittle into Auckland’s tittle-tattle, he can equally find himself at home taking his brief in less salubrious motorcycle gang HQs.

Such is the nature of criminal defence work and he has consistently demonstrated an ability to dissect complex legal arguments, challenge prosecution narratives, and protect the legal rights of clients across the social spectrum.

He worked with lawyer Ian Brookie in the defence of the emetic Jesse Kempson, the man found guilty of the murder of UK tourist Grace Millane (pictured) in a case that lead to headlines in the UK and a Netflix documentary. More recently also appeared on behalf of Headhunters gang leader Wayne Doyle on charges involving the seizure of $15 million in assets.

Like all good criminal lawyers he provides an equal opportunity stance taking cases that involve people in both high and low places. He acted for the shambolic and short-lived MP with the androgynous name Jami-Lee Ross (pictured) on charges of electoral fraud.

He acted former Mai FM jock Nate Nauer in respect of money laundering charges involving the Comanchero Motorcycle gang and most recently has been representing an unnamed Auckland businessman charged with strangling and assaulting his girlfriend.

Like good litigators, he has used his experience and knowledge beyond the courtroom, as a vocal advocate for legal reform, pushing boundaries and challenging systemic approaches to criminal justice. He understands that effective defense is not merely about winning cases, but about ensuring fair treatment and due process for every individual and he is keen to protect those virtues.

Professional Philosophy

What helps to set Mansfield apart is his holistic approach to criminal defense where he views each case as a unique human story, not just a legal puzzle to solve, which lets him craft nuanced defense strategies.

While Mansfield rarely seeks personal recognition, his colleagues widely acknowledge his significant contributions to New Zealand’s legal profession and his readiness to provide assistance and support. He has mentored numerous young lawyers, sharing insights that blend technical legal knowledge with profound human understanding.

Outside his professional commitments, Mansfield is known for his intellectual curiosity with an active interest in legal theory and social justice.

Mansfield serves as an exemplar of what dedicated legal practice can truly represent: a steadfast commitment to protecting individual rights, challenging assumptions, and ensuring justice is not just an abstract concept, but a lived reality.