CPD Points: 1
Starts: 5:00pm Thursday, 27 Aug 2026
Ends: 6:00pm Thursday, 27 Aug 2026
Location: Online
View MapGroup Ticket 10-15: $650.00
Group Ticket 3-4: $250.00
Group Ticket 5-9: $400.00
Member Ticket: $0.00 Members Free
Non-Member: $85.00
Judge Alone Trials (JATs) are a crucial part of criminal practice. This follow-on webinar builds on the introductory session and is designed to assist junior to intermediate practitioners in refining their approach to JATs, with a focus on advocacy, decision-making, and courtroom strategy.
Appearing in a JAT requires more than simply understanding the process. It involves judgment, discipline, and the ability to respond to the dynamics of the courtroom. This webinar is not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of advanced advocacy, but rather a practical guide to some of the more challenging issues that arise beyond the basics. As with the first webinar, the focus remains on dealing effectively with the three major actors: the prosecution, the Judge, and your client.
The first stage revisits preparation at a more advanced level, including developing a clear and coherent case theory, refining analysis of disclosure, and making strategic decisions about which issues to pursue and which can properly be left. There will also be a focus on preparing your client to give evidence and ensuring consistency with the overall defence case.
The second stage addresses the conduct of the JAT itself. Particular attention will be given to cross-examination, including when to press a witness, when to withdraw, and how to avoid overreaching. The webinar will also cover dealing with difficult witnesses, making evidential objections confidently, and refining submissions, including structured and persuasive closing addresses.
The final stage expands on post-JAT considerations, including sentencing advocacy, responding to adverse findings, and providing clear advice on appeal options. Guidance will also be provided on reflecting on performance and identifying areas for improvement.
This webinar is designed as a practical continuation of the “how-to” approach, aimed at practitioners seeking to build confidence and competence in more complex aspects of JAT advocacy.
This is recommended as part of the webinar series that has already been conducted by the Bar and is particularly directed at junior to intermediate practitioners.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will leave the webinar with:
- Practical approaches to developing and applying a clear and coherent case theory to guide preparation, evidence, and advocacy in a Judge Alone Trial.
- Effective advocacy skills in a JAT, including strategic cross-examination, making evidential objections, and delivering structured and persuasive submissions.
- Practical insight into post-trial considerations, including sentencing advocacy, advising on appeal options, and reflecting on performance to improve future practice.
Event Speakers
Philip Shamy KC (Chair)
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.