Gowan Duff
027 282 8287 | gowan@mataichambers.com
I came to criminal defence deliberately, not by default. After working in commercial litigation, I chose this work because I believe the presumption of innocence needs active defenders, not passive participants.
Eight years specialising in criminal defence - but concentrated ones. I've represented my own clients from day one while learning from senior barristers who've been doing this for decades. Eight homicide trials (averaging one per year), successful defences as both lead and junior counsel in the High Court and District Court, hundreds of other matters including the full spectrum of charges, from drink driving to assault, sexual allegations to major drug conspiracies. Some lawyers spread this experience over twenty years. I've compressed it into eight while maintaining a full practice.
My first few years in commercial litigation were formative, they taught me the importance of methodical preparation and document analysis. I bring that discipline to criminal defence – every disclosure document matters, every inconsistency counts. Strong advocacy starts with thorough preparation, and that foundation makes the difference between hoping for good outcomes and creating them. The best cross-examination comes from knowing the evidence inside out, the strongest closing addresses from understanding every weakness in the Crown case.
I represent the full spectrum - professionals protecting careers and people protecting their freedom. CEOs to gang members. First charges and two-hundredth charges. The approach stays the same: thorough preparation, practical advice, complete commitment.
The philosophy page explains how I work. This page explains why: because when the police, prosecution and public opinion align against someone, they deserve more than token defence. They deserve someone who will methodically test every element, challenge every assumption, and fight intelligently for their future.
I hold legal aid PAL 1-4 approvals and am available for serious legal aid matters. But whether private or legally aided, every client gets the same commitment.
Barrister at Mātai Chambers. Previously served on school board, New Zealand Bar Association Council, Auckland Rugby Union Judicial Officer, Legal Aid Selection Committee.
Failed rugby player, average golfer. If you're a solicitor with criminal work to refer, let's discuss it over eighteen holes.
Fred Choi
027 628 2417 | fred@mataichambers.com
I joined criminal defence with eyes wide open. After watching Gowan and other senior barristers fight for clients, I knew this was where I belonged - defending people when everything is stacked against them.
Two years into practice, I'm building my reputation on results. Recent wins include home detention for an arson charge that could have meant years inside, discharge without conviction on serious assault charges, and bail for clients others said had no chance. Every victory matters because every client matters.
I cut my teeth assisting on major drug prosecutions, serious violence and firearms, learning from barristers with decades of experience. Now I'm running my own trials, appearing regularly in the District Court, and building a practice focused on all aspects of criminal defence - where smart, thorough preparation can change someone's immediate future.
Being fluent in Korean means I can represent Korean-speaking clients without the barrier of interpretation. They get direct advice, clear explanations, and someone who understands both the legal system and the additional stress of facing charges in a foreign country.
My approach mirrors the chambers' philosophy: methodical preparation, strategic thinking, complete commitment.
Passionate about international travel when not in court. Even worse at golf than Gowan. If you're a solicitor with criminal work to refer, let's discuss it over eighteen holes.