Our People

Being charged with a crime or being involved in a legal dispute is stressful and can have serious consequences for people and their loved ones.

The lawyers at Federal Chambers are passionate, hard-working and committed to achieving the best results for their clients no matter the charge or dispute.

Graeme Newell

Barrister

Graeme is a senior defence lawyer and jury trial specialist with 35 years of experience. He established Federal Chambers.

David Dickinson

Barrister

Admitted in 2007, David specialises in the defence of serious crime and also practices in employment/civil litigation.

Lester Cordwell

Barrister

Lester is a specialist criminal defence lawyer focusing on serious jury trials and appeals with 30 years’ experience.

Graeme Timms

Barrister

Admitted in 2014, Graeme joined the bar after being employed at the Public Defence Service.

Zoe Reid

Barrister

Zoe is a barrister and solicitor with over 18 years of legal experience dedicated exclusively to drink driving and traffic law.

Justin Wall

Barrister

Admitted in 2009, Justin is a thoughtful lawyer, bringing a blend of experience and knowledge to his practice as a defence barrister.

Lucy Qian

Employed Barrister of Graeme Newell

Lucy is an employed barrister for Graeme Newell. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Ciara Chester-Cronin

Barrister

Ciara is a criminal defence lawyer with experience across the full spectrum of criminal offending, joining Federal Chambers in 2025.

Kuvam Manon

Employed Barrister of David Dickinson

Kuvam joined David’s practice in 2025 after completing a Law and Commerce degree at the University of Auckland.