Criminal Law Conference 2026

The CLE Criminal Law Conference is the premier event for all those who practise or have an interest in criminal law. This refreshed conference is designed to support practitioners at every stage of their career – from junior lawyers to seasoned experts. Sessions will cover recent case law, legislative updates, emerging trends, and updates on evidence and sentencing, all delivered by experienced practitioners. This event provides a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage with the criminal law community.

Learning objectives

In this conference you will be:

• Updated on topical issues, legislation and case law.
• Able to apply this knowledge in your practice.

Who should attend

All criminal lawyers and other professionals interested in criminal law.

Conference chair

The Honourable Justice Simon Mount
High Court, Auckland

Justice Mount was appointed to the High Court of New Zealand in April 2025. He holds Master of Law degrees from the University of Auckland and Columbia Law School where he also held teaching roles. Justice Mount served as a Crown prosecutor at Meredith Connell and Crown Counsel at Crown Law, later practising as a barrister at Bankside Chambers, specialising in public law, criminal and regulatory law, professional discipline and public inquiries. He has held roles including Visiting Justice, District Inspector of Mental Health, and Attorney-General of the Pitcairn Islands. Justice Mount was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017.

Social events

A networking drinks and canapés function will be held directly after the conference (5-6pm) and is included in the registration price.

Book

A background book written by the presenters is available in hard copy, PDF, or both. Please indicate your choice upon registration.

• Hard Copy: Pick it up at the registration desk or have it sent to you by courier if you're attending via live stream – no extra charge.
• PDF: We'll email you a PDF copy of the book 3 working days before the event – no extra charge.
• Both: Get the best of both worlds! We'll email you the PDF 3 working days before the event, and you will either collect the hard copy at the registration desk or have it sent by courier if you're attending via live stream – for an additional $45

Format

This conference will include a diverse lineup of expert presenters covering a range of topics. Each session will include time for questions.

Held in-person & online. Live web stream registrants – you will be emailed a link to join the live stream one week before. For information on what is required to participate in the live web stream, click here. The most popular breakout sessions will be live streamed. A recording will be distributed approximately one week after the event.

Recording

All attendees receive four weeks of access to live stream recording following each session. This added benefit allows you to revisit key insights at your convenience and reinforce your learning well beyond the event. Recordings will be available approximately one week after the event.

Timing 

• Friday 1 May 2026, 9.00am – 5.00pm followed by networking drinks and canapés 5.00pm – 6.00pm

Fee (incl GST) 

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off
In-person

• $860 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,230 – Non-members
• $630 – 4 yrs PQE or below. Strictly limited to 20 places

• $960 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,330 – Non-members
• $730 – 4 yrs PQE or below. Strictly limited to 20 places

Live Web Stream

• $840 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,210 – Non-members
• $610 – 4 yrs PQE or below. Strictly limited to 20 places

• $940 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1,310 – Non-members
• $710 – 4 yrs PQE or below. Strictly limited to 20 places

View group pricing options

Comments from past attendees

• “The whole day was excellent. Great speakers and topics, it exceeded my expectations.”
• “ A great selection of topics – excellent speakers.”

Cancellation and Refund Policy

You may cancel your registration eight working days in advance of an event, and you will receive a refund less a 25% administration fee. If you cancel less than eight working days in advance of the event, no refund is payable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person. If you wish to do so you must advise CLE New Zealand Law Society in writing of the change. CLE reserves the right to close registrations, and cancel or reschedule an event as necessary. Where an event is cancelled by CLE, a full refund is payable.