Raymond Donnelly & Co: Criminal Law & Crown Prosecution Specialists

Raymond Donnelly & Co serves as the Office of the Crown Solicitor for Christchurch, specialising in litigation and criminal prosecution. The firm is responsible for the prosecution of serious crime and related appellate work in the Canterbury and West Coast regions, representing the Crown in jury trials and appeals in the High Court and District Court. They also act for government departments and entities involved in litigation matters.

Established in 1911, Raymond Donnelly & Co has held the warrant for the Office of Crown Solicitor for Christchurch since 1914 and for Greymouth since 1984. The firm has assembled a team of highly experienced senior litigators, including partners, senior associates, associates, and consultants who specialise in criminal law and prosecution work. Their Crown Solicitor is appointed by warrant of the Governor-General and holds responsibility for conducting criminal proceedings on behalf of the Crown.

The firm demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, particularly addressing the under-representation of Māori and Pasifika lawyers in the criminal justice system. They offer specialised internship programmes for Māori and Pasifika law students, as well as summer clerking opportunities and observation experiences for final-year law students interested in criminal law and prosecution careers.