A forum bringing together members of the junior criminal bar and District Court judges will be held later this month at the Auckland District Court, providing an opportunity for early career practitioners to engage directly with the bench on issues affecting courtroom practice.

The session, scheduled for 24 March 2026 from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the Jury Assembly Room at the Auckland District Court, has been organised following discussions between members of the judiciary and representatives of the profession about the importance of supporting lawyers in the early years of criminal practice. Refreshments will be provided before the session begins.

Junior practitioners from across Auckland, North Shore and Waitākere are expected to attend. The forum is intended primarily for lawyers with five years’ post-qualification experience or less, reflecting the general range typically regarded as the junior bar.

The session will begin with a panel discussion led by Judge Kate Davenport KC, Judge Guthrie and Judge Murray, who will outline practical guidance on courtroom conduct, including common “dos and don’ts” and approaches to responding to difficult questions from the bench. A short reference sheet will also be provided to attendees.

Following this introduction, the judges will participate in an interactive question-and-answer session, addressing questions submitted by junior lawyers in advance. The discussion will then move into smaller breakout groups, allowing practitioners to speak more directly with members of the judiciary about practical issues arising in day-to-day criminal practice.

Her Honour Judge Davenport said the forum was intended to provide an opportunity for constructive engagement between the judiciary and the junior criminal bar.

“Early years at the criminal bar can be challenging, and opportunities for junior lawyers to speak directly with judges about courtroom practice are relatively rare,” she said.

“The aim of the session is to provide practical guidance and to create space for open discussion about the realities of appearing regularly in the District Court.”

The forum will also provide an opportunity for junior lawyers to raise questions about advocacy expectations, courtroom preparation, and navigating the professional demands of criminal practice.

Organisers say the event reflects a shared interest between the judiciary and the profession in supporting the development of junior advocates and strengthening communication within the criminal justice system.

It is hoped that the forum will form part of an ongoing dialogue between the bench and the junior bar, helping to build confidence, clarity and professional connection in the early years of legal practice.