Emma Riddell

Emma graduated from the University of Otago in 2009 with an LLB and BA(Hons) in economics and was admitted to the bar in 2010. She worked as a Crown prosecutor for six years gaining valuable jury trial and appellate experience. She joined the independent bar at the beginning of 2016 where she has specialised in criminal defence work. She is categorised to conduct all levels of criminal Legal Aid work and appellate work. She has represented clients facing charges ranging from drink driving, sex offences, class A drug charges, large police operations and organised criminal group charges, serious violence offences and homicide. She has conducted multiple appeals in the High Court and Court of Appeal, including appeals against pre-trial rulings, conviction and sentence. Emma is on the expert advisory panel for Te Kāhui Tātari Ture (the Criminal Cases Review Commission).

Emma has been a keen sportswoman all her life and can be found at woodchopping events throughout New Zealand in the Summer and the local netball courts on a Saturday in the Winter. She is venturing into sports administration on a voluntary basis and has been a member of the Tasman Rugby Union Judicial Committee for the last seven seasons, is a past member of the Nelson Netball Board and is involved in several woodchopping committees.