Chris completed a degree in Law at the University of South Africa before coming to New Zealand in 2006 and undertaking the necessary studies through the University of Auckland in order to be able to practice law here.

Before he became a Lawyer, Chris spent 19 years in the employment of the South African Police force. Chris joined the Police in his teens, shortly after leaving school. Right from the start, he had his sights set on being a Detective. Initially, he was strongly influenced in this by detective-themed TV programmes such as Derrick, where the star always managed to put all pieces of the puzzle together by the end of each episode to bring the perpetrators to justice. So, as soon as he finished his basic training as a Police Officer he eagerly knocked on the door of the Detective Commander. He was told to come back after 3 years; he had to prove himself first.

Chris did prove himself. He became a Detective 3 years later and worked in that role for the next 16 years. He earned a National Diploma in Police Administration. He went on to become the Area Head of Detectives, attached to the Organised Crime Unit, and the Serious and Violent Crime Unit investigating crimes like murder, rape and armed robbery. At the point he left the Police to pursue Law, he had risen to the rank of Colonel and was the Commander of the Detective Service, managing a staff of just over 100.

While he was qualifying as a New Zealand lawyer, Chris worked as a Corrections Officer for Paremoremo Prison. He also worked as a security guard. He began practice as a Criminal Lawyer in 2013 working for Coast Legal. He began working for Madeleine Flannagan at Hibiscus Coast Legal Chambers in 2016.

Chris’ primary area of expertise is Criminal and Traffic Law although he does do some Family Law. Chris is a Pal 2 Lead Provider of Criminal Legal Aid for the Ministry of Justice, and he is also able to offer some Family Law Legal Aid services as a Supervised Provider.

Outside of Law, Chris enjoys spending time with his family. He likes to work with his hands, especially on cars. He is also a very keen dancer; not professionally, just the shake your body type of dance.

If you need Criminal, Traffic or Family  law assistance, contact Chris today: 0204 016 5590

Joanna is a graduate of the University of Auckland. She graduated with her LLB in 2018 and was admitted to the bar in 2019.

Prior to that, in 1998 she attained a BCom majoring in management from the University of Otagao. In 2001, she completed her Master of Business Studies at Massey University in Albany, graduating with first class honours. From there, she became a Massey Doctoral Scholar with a full scholarship. She completed her Ph.D in 2011.

Law was something Joanna had always wanted to do. From the start, she had a focus on family law. She knew what a difference a good family lawyer can make for someone trying to navigate the Family Court. Over the years, she has volunteered at the Waitemata Community Law Centre, volunteered at Homebuilders in Warkworth, and more recently for the Family Court community service.

She started out in practice working for the Waitemata Community Law Centre, before joining Madeleine Flannagan as a staff Barrister in 2021.

She attained Lead Provider status as a Family Law provider of Legal Aid in 2023.