ANSELM WILLIAMS

About Me

I am a specialist criminal litigator with 17 years of experience.

I began my legal career at a boutique Christchurch firm, gaining experience across property and commercial transactions, as well as civil and criminal litigation. I then served as a Senior Prosecutor with the New Zealand Police, managing a broad criminal caseload, including cases involving fatal and serious injury-related driving offenses.

Subsequently, I joined the office of the Crown Solicitor in Christchurch as a Senior Crown Prosecutor, where I handled serious and complex cases, such as murder, serious assaults, sexual offenses, and major fraud and drug crimes. I also appeared in specialist jurisdictions, including the Youth Court, Family Court, and coronial proceedings. During this time, I developed significant expertise in prosecuting complex regulatory offenses for government agencies, including leading high-profile prosecutions for the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Health.

In 2016, I transitioned to the Public Defence Service as a Senior Lawyer and Team Leader, defending clients facing serious and complex charges while mentoring junior and intermediate lawyers.

In 2017, I commenced independent practice as a barrister, focusing on defending serious and complex cases in the District and High Courts across New Zealand. I achieved consistently strong results for my clients and regularly appeared in appellate courts, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. My practice also encompassed appearances before the Parole Board and various tribunals, handling judicial reviews, civil claims, family proceedings, and professional disciplinary matters.

I am one of the founding members of Walker Street Chambers in Christchurch.

In early 2025, I elected to take a break from practice at the independent bar.

Contact Me

I am no longer taking instructions but can be contacted by email or post.

email: aw@anselm.co.nz

post: PO Box 951, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

My Practice

From the beginning of 2025 I will not be practicing at the independant bar and as a result I will not be taking instructions.

If you are seeking advice or representation please contact one of the Barristers at Walker Street Chambers

Elements

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';