Senior Barrister and King's Counsel
Kristy McDonald ONZM KC
Kristy is one of New Zealand’s senior barristers and a King's Counsel.
Kristy has wide experience as a litigation lawyer and has practised across many areas of the law. She has a particular focus on public and administrative law, general civil and criminal litigation (including health and safety).
In 1999 Kristy was appointed a Queen’s Counsel. In 2019 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of her experience and contribution to the law and to corporate governance.
She has extensive experience as an advocate and a decision maker in organisational inquiries and reviews having been involved in some of New Zealand’s largest inquiries.
Kristy is an experienced director and has held a number of governance roles. She regularly advises on organisational and corporate governance and undertakes workplace reviews.
Kristy is a strong advocate for women pursuing a career in law. She offers leadership, mentoring and collegial support.
More on Kristy
For more on Kristy, including examples of her work, visit her website kmkc.nz which includes the following pages detailing examples of her work and experience:
Kristy has undertaken a number of corporate & organisational investigations including cultural and structural reviews and abuse inquiries.
Litigation and advice
Kristy is an experienced trial lawyer and has been involved in a wide range of civil, administrative and criminal advocacy over many years. She also specialises in the provision of strategic legal advice and negotiation.
Reviews and inquiries
Kristy has extensive experience in a wide range of inquiries, including:
- Ministerial and government inquiries
- Royal Commissions and public inquiries
- Workplace Health and Safety inquiries
- Corporate reviews and inquiries
- Organisational reviews and investigations
Governance
Through her work with corporate clients and advising chief executives, Kristy has developed a good understanding of governance and has been instrumental in providing advice on organisational culture and structure. Kristy holds a number of Board directorships.
Leadership
Kristy’s leadership skills include:
- Consensus and team building
- Conflict resolution
- Adapting to rapidly changing circumstances
- Recognising the abilities of others
- Mentoring
Memberships
- New Zealand Law Society
- New Zealand Bar Association
- New Zealand Institute of Directors
Qualifications
- 1981 BA LLB University of Otago
- 1987 LLM (Hons) University of Canterbury
- 1999 King’s Counsel.
Practice areas
- Civil and commercial litigation
- Administrative/public law
- Government and regulatory
- Public and organisational inquiries
- Criminal, serious fraud/securities
- Trusts
- Professional discipline
- Mediation
- Governance and leadership