Karen is an experienced barrister who specializes in civil and commercial litigation, judicial review and public and constitutional law.

She is a former Crown Counsel (1988 – 1994), Deputy Solicitor-General (2002 – 2006) and member of Crown Law’s Management Board (1996 – 2006). 

During her time in the Crown Law Office she represented clients in tribunals, District Courts, the High Court, Court of Appeal, Privy Council and Supreme Court.  She also advised and represented Crown and governmental interests in a range of ministerial and parliamentary inquiries.

Karen became a barrister in 2007.  In her time at the bar Karen has successfully represented her clients’ interests in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in a variety of matters arising under a range of legislation:  Companies Act, Commerce Act, Property Law Act, Tax Administration Act, Income Tax Act, Crown Minerals Act, NZ Public Health and Disability Act, Human Rights Act, NZ Bill of Rights Act, Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act, Residential Tenancies Act, and in mediation under the Employment Relations Act. She also appeared as amicus on jurisdictional issues in the Social Security Appeal Authority.

Karen has continued to assist in inquiries notably the Inquiry into the Tamahere Coolstore Explosion and the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy.

Karen contributes to the New Zealand Law Society’s continuing legal education programme. 

In 2007 Karen was made a Queen’s Counsel.

In 2011 she was appointed a member of the New Zealand Council of Legal Education.

For a full CV please click on this link: Karen Clark QC CV

Contact
Tel: +64 4 499 6040
DDI: +64 4 460 0742
Fax: +64 4 499 6118
Email: karen.clark@chambers.co.nz