Charlie has broad experience in civil, commercial and criminal litigation. Prior to joining Luke Cunningham Clere, she worked alongside local governments, specialising in regulatory prosecution and enforcement for councils. Charlie has also represented government organisations and private clients in respect of professional disciplinary proceedings and prosecutions. Throughout her career, she has appeared in the District and High Courts as counsel for the Crown and in District Courts on behalf of councils across Aotearoa.
Before commencing her legal career, Charlie worked for a year at the Chief Censor’s office, advising on objectionable publications and classifications. She then joined the office of the Auckland Crown Solicitor, with a focus on civil and commercial litigation, regulatory proceedings and representing the Crown in criminal matters. Following that role, Charlie worked as an associate at another New Zealand law firm acting for local governments, with a specific focus on enforcement and prosecutions under the Building Act 2004 and Resource Management Act 1991.
Recent and notable work:
Advising and appearing as counsel for local government authorities for prosecutions and appeals under the Building Act 2004. (Waikato District Council v O’Donnell; Timaru District Council v Richardt).
Acting as counsel on behalf of the New Zealand Educational Institute (Te Riu Roa) for disciplinary proceedings in the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal.
Assisting on the health and safety prosecution on behalf of WorkSafe New Zealand in relation to tour operators on Whakaari/White Island.
Junior counsel for the Crown in a three-week Crown prosecution alleging 11 offences including several sexual violation charges. Charlie also appeared as junior counsel in the relevant pre-trials and Court of Appeal hearings. (R v P [2022] NZHC 2656; P v R [2021] NZCA 267).
Charlie was the President of the Victoria University of Wellington Law Students’ Society in 2017 and Managing Director of Ignite Consultants, Wellington in 2016.