Expertise

Public and Human Rights Law

Frances is a leading human rights and public law advocate.  She has been counsel in several major test cases in recent years including in complex litigation with multiple plaintiffs for the Director of Proceedings, and also for the Human Rights Commission as well as groups such as Child Poverty Action Group and IHC, refugee applicants and other individuals.  Areas covered include health and disability, income tax, civil procedure, education, immigration and refugee, privacy, residential tenancy, domestic violence, social security and minimum wage legislation.

Counsel for Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attack on Christchurch Mosques, 2020.

Senior Counsel for known and unknown survivors of Child and Adolescent Unit, Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital, before Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, 2020/2021.

Counsel for Bergen Graham (citizen of New Zealand with high risk pregnancy) in Judicial Review proceedings against the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in relation to MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) refusal to enable her to return home during the Covid Pandemic, September 2021.

Awarded Inaugural Access to Justice Award by New Zealand Bar Association, Nga Ahorangi Motuhake o te Ture, September 2022.

Independent Inquiries and Investigations

Undertakes investigations and advice to employers on allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and other personal grievances.

Conducts inquiries and prepares reports for private and public sector.

2018 Report to Chief of Air Force, New Zealand Defence Force, concerning allegations of historic bullying and sexual assault and review of contemporary procedures and recommendations for change.

2022 Co inquirer of Independent Inquiry into Abuse at Dilworth School, September 2023.

General Civil Litigation

Frances has a wide breadth of practice in civil litigation. Recent cases include contractual disputes in business, suing to recover losses following professional negligence or fraud; bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings; seeking orders under the Property Law Act, claims in equity relating to the sale of land, claims against trustees; claims for trespass to the person.