Tagan Lyall

LLM(Hons), LLB, BA

My email address is: tagan@zindels.co.nz

I was born and raised in Nelson, returning to the region in 2012 after time at university and travelling.  I hold a Master of Laws (Honours) which focused on criminal and medical law.  I also attained a Bachelor of Laws as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury.   I was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2013 and have worked in criminal and family law since then.

I specalise in criminal defence work, regularly appearing in the Nelson District Court and High Court on cases ranging from traffic offences, like drink driving, to more serious charges including assaults, drugs and sexual offending.  I also act on selected Family Court proceedings.

Specific topics where I claim some expertise:

• Attending Police interviews and advising whether to make a statement
• As a defence lawyer in judge alone or jury trials on a range of charges including: drugs, assaults, sexual offending and dishonesty offending
• Diversion and restorative justice practices
• Discharge without conviction
• Name suppression
• Navigating those who have mental health issues through the courts
• Obtaining and defending protection orders
• Paternity proceedings
• Parenting matters

I’m a strong believer in access to justice and am an approved lead legal aid provider for criminal and family cases.