KILIAN & ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Miles is a third-year student completing a double degree in law and economics at the Auckland University of Technology.
Miles joined Kilian & Associates in late 2022 as a Law Clerk. Prior to this, Miles worked as a Deputy Registrar in the criminal jurisdiction of the Auckland District Court where she gained extensive courtroom and case management experience in the summary, Crown jury and specialist therapeutic courts. During her tenure at the registry, she was also appointed an Issuing Officer by the Attorney-General under the Search and Surveillance Act.
With her thorough knowledge of the Court processes, Miles can help clients understand their journey through the criminal justice system. She has proven to be an asset in effectively resolving communication challenges that may arise between Counsel and the courts. Miles actively contributes to the drafting of essential procedural documents in criminal matters and with a keen interest in litigation, she possesses a strong ambition to pursue a career as a criminal barrister upon graduation.
When she is not at work or deep in her case books, she enjoys edible gardening, baking pastries, photography and is an avid long-distance runner. She is also a theatre and musical geek, an adrenaline junkie, and a lover of the great outdoors.
Memberships
Auckland District Law Society (Student Member)
Auckland Women Lawyers Association (Student Member)
Criminal Bar Association (Student Member)
Feel free to contact the office to have a chat, and Cherie or Miles will help you get the ball rolling to progress your matter forward.
Cherie is a second-year law student at the University of Auckland completing a conjoint degree in politics and history. Her role in legal administration supports our dynamic office in many ways, from liaising with clients, courts, and prosecution to managing legal documents and databases. Her experience in customer services and the Police 111 communications centre has allowed her to develop a calming presence over the phone and the ability to collate information shared by you over a phone discussion.
Cherie often finds herself with family and friends in her spare time, following international court cases and finding new activities. She is set on becoming a criminal defence lawyer and feels the opportunity provided by Kilian & Associates to work in this environment has been a crucial step in her journey
Your first point of call, as our client, will be the office where Cherie 'mans the fort'. She will keep you up to speed with your upcoming court appearances, setting meetings and helping where possible.
Memberships
Auckland District Law Society (Student Member)
Auckland Women Lawyers Association (Student Member)
Criminal Bar Association (Student Member)
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Barrister & Solicitor
Kate was admitted to the Bar in May 2019. She is a criminal litigator who provides fierce representation for clients both in the Courtroom and during charge negotiations with stakeholders. She has a natural ability to connect with clients and makes an effort to ensure our clients know we are fighting in their corner.
Prior to joining KA early in 2023, she worked for the Public Defence Service. Over the years she has represented clients facing charges ranging from driving offences to assaults and firearm offences. Having represented clients throughout various stages of Court proceedings, she can provide you with clear, concise, and considered advice to help you navigate the justice system.
She is available to do limited licences at $1,000 + GST.
Kate also has a special interest in pre-trial applications relating to the Search and Surveillance Act. She is working towards learning more about jury trials and will be involved in most of the trials that KA has in the future.
By working at KA, Kate can throw her hat in the civil litigation ring and is now a Legal Aid Supervised Provider for civil matters and so can assist Shane in various matters he is dealing with.
Kate is both a Legal Aid provider for criminal matters and is available to take instructions privately.
Memberships
New Zealand Law Society
Auckland District Law Society
Kayla started working for Kilian & Associates in 2017 as the office administrator. Her time at the firm has been instrumental in shaping and developing the practice and its systems, which are now fully digital.
Kayla's role includes mostly supporting our lawyers with their workload. This includes legal research, aiding with preparation for trial, drafting legal documents, and all things related to bail, and Legal Aid. She has also assumed the role of training new recruits, and keeping everyone in line and on task, to ensure deadlines are met and documents are filed to a high standard.
Kayla has a significant amount of experience dealing with clients from a variety of backgrounds. She also had the unique opportunity of sitting at the bar during a 3-week jury trial assisting two senior counsel.
Because of her experience in this firm and in the legal field, Kayla can answer most clients' questions about their matters short of giving legal advice (a role reserved for our lawyers).
Unrelated to work and university, Kayla enjoys the outdoors and exploring unfamiliar places with her trusty Japanese Spitz. She also has an (arguably unhealthy) obsession with Formula 1.
Memberships
New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives (Affiliate)
Auckland District Law Society (Student Member)
Auckland Women Lawyers Association (Student Member)
Criminal Bar Association (Student Member)