CPD Points: 1
Starts: 5:00pm Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025
Ends: 6:00pm Tuesday, 14 Oct 2025
Location: Online
View MapGroup Pricing 10-15: $450.00
Group Pricing 2-4: $250.00
Group Pricing 5-9 : $350.00
Member ticket: $0.00 Members Free
Non-Member Ticket: $75.00
Contact: Rufina Pollett
Judge Alone Trials (JAT’s) are often the first real contact that junior to intermediate practitioners have in any sustained way with the Bench.
Appearing at a JAT can be significantly stressful and there can be a battle to ensure that nerves do not triumph. The purpose of this webinar is not to be an exhaustive analysis of how to best approach a JAT but really the beginnings of how to deal with the three major actors, the prosecution, the Judge and your client.
The first stage will focus on making sure you have particulars, and full disclosure from the Police, and some simple tips on preparation, including the necessity of a brief of evidence from your client.
The second stage will cover the fixture itself again dealing with the same three actors, for example one of the issues that will be looked at is the no case to answer argument and the duty to put matters to Police witnesses - bearing in mind, emphasis that it is not incumbent on the defence to fill holes in the prosecution case through cross-examination.
The final stage of this webinar will touch upon post JAT, including the matters you will need to consider if there is a conviction, ie, bail and if necessary to be prepared to deal with sentencing on the spot, initial advice to your client regards any potential appeal.
This webinar will focus on JAT’s and the three stages that will be developed, prior to the JAT, during the JAT, and after. It is designed as a “how-to guide” for preparing and conducting a JAT. The webinar will cover what you need to know about JATs what steps you need to take throughout the preparation for an appearance at a JAT.
This is a practically focused webinar which is part of our Essentials programme and is aimed at Junior and Intermediate practitioners, as well as those unfamiliar with this area of practice but wishing to learn how JAT is best run, its fundamentals, and how to guide a client through a JAT. It is also suitable for those looking for a refresher.
Our presenters are experienced in conducting JATs and very pleased to share their experience and knowledge with our audience.
Event Speakers
Phil Shamy KC
Philip Shamy KC is an experienced litigation barrister practising from Bridgeside Chambers in Christchurch. His approach to litigation involves a practical results based view, bearing in mind what the client requires and what can be obtained.
Over the last 40 years Philip has gained experience in commercial litigation, litigating in tort contract, equity and public law. He has litigated at all levels from the District Court to the High Court to appellate level. Before his move to the independent bar he spent 20 years as a partner at Raymond Donnelly & Co. the Crown Solicitors of Christchurch where he prosecuted in excess of 20 murder trials and numerous other manslaughter cases. He also appeared as amicus curiae on a number of matters to assist with the High Court and District Court, and in a number of disciplinary tribunals both as a prosecutor and as a defence lawyer.
Philip is passionate about mentoring younger practitioners, particularly young litigators and is keen to see young litigators from instructing solicitor firms enter the court room and have sufficient guidance and instruction to feel comfortable in that arena.
He has in the past been a member of the teaching faculty of the New Zealand Law Society litigation skills course which teaches less experienced lawyers court skills. He is a member of the New Zealand Bar Association’s Education Committee.
Philip Shamy KC is an experienced litigation barrister practising from Bridgeside Chambers in Christchurch. His approach to litigation involves a practical results based view, bearing in mind what the client requires and what can be obtained.
Over the last 40 years Philip has gained experience in commercial litigation, litigating in tort contract, equity and public law. He has litigated at all levels from the District Court to the High Court to appellate level. Before his move to the independent bar he spent 20 years as a partner at Raymond Donnelly & Co. the Crown Solicitors of Christchurch where he prosecuted in excess of 20 murder trials and numerous other manslaughter cases. He also appeared as amicus curiae on a number of matters to assist with the High Court and District Court, and in a number of disciplinary tribunals both as a prosecutor and as a defence lawyer.
Philip is passionate about mentoring younger practitioners, particularly young litigators and is keen to see young litigators from instructing solicitor firms enter the court room and have sufficient guidance and instruction to feel comfortable in that arena.
He has in the past been a member of the teaching faculty of the New Zealand Law Society litigation skills course which teaches less experienced lawyers court skills. He is a member of the New Zealand Bar Association’s Education Committee.
Olivia Jarvis
Olivia Jarvis is an experienced lawyer specialising in criminal law. She has appeared regularly in the District and High Courts, as well as appearing in the Court of Appeal. Olivia has significant experience in both jury and judge alone trials on serious matters. Olivia has also appeared at Coronial Inquests.
Olivia graduated with an LLB and a BA from the University of Canterbury. After completing university, Olivia joined the Christchurch Public Defence Service. During her time at the Public Defence Service Olivia managed her own team of lawyers as well as representing her clients. She moved to the Independent Bar in 2024 and is dedicated to helping clients alleviate the stress linked with navigating the criminal justice system.
In 2017, Olivia was appointed as an adjudicator for the Racing Integrity Board, formerly known as the Judicial Control Authority for Racing in New Zealand.
Olivia Jarvis is an experienced lawyer specialising in criminal law. She has appeared regularly in the District and High Courts, as well as appearing in the Court of Appeal. Olivia has significant experience in both jury and judge alone trials on serious matters. Olivia has also appeared at Coronial Inquests.
Olivia graduated with an LLB and a BA from the University of Canterbury. After completing university, Olivia joined the Christchurch Public Defence Service. During her time at the Public Defence Service Olivia managed her own team of lawyers as well as representing her clients. She moved to the Independent Bar in 2024 and is dedicated to helping clients alleviate the stress linked with navigating the criminal justice system.
In 2017, Olivia was appointed as an adjudicator for the Racing Integrity Board, formerly known as the Judicial Control Authority for Racing in New Zealand.
Harriet Beaven
Harriet Beaven joined Bridgeside Chambers in 2024, after spending three years at the Public Defence Service. Harriet completed a BCom (majoring in International Business) at the University of Otago before graduating with a LLB from the University of Canterbury. Once leaving law school Harriet’s focus became criminal law, she now has proven and demonstrated experience in the District Court and High Court in complex criminal cases.
Harriet was admitted in 2021 and will share her recent experiences in Judge alone trials, providing practical reflections on preparing and running Judge alone trials from a new practitioner’s standpoint.
Harriet Beaven joined Bridgeside Chambers in 2024, after spending three years at the Public Defence Service. Harriet completed a BCom (majoring in International Business) at the University of Otago before graduating with a LLB from the University of Canterbury. Once leaving law school Harriet’s focus became criminal law, she now has proven and demonstrated experience in the District Court and High Court in complex criminal cases.
Harriet was admitted in 2021 and will share her recent experiences in Judge alone trials, providing practical reflections on preparing and running Judge alone trials from a new practitioner’s standpoint.