A panel discussion with their Honours Judge Tan, Judge Yelavich and Judge Grau
After being postponed earlier in lockdown, AWLA invites you to a panel discussion with three recently appointed Manukau District Court Judges: Judge Tan, Judge Yelavich and Judge Grau. Their Honours will reflect on their journey to the bench, the transition from practice to the judiciary, and their experiences so far.
Her Honour Judge Tan
Judge Tan is of Chinese and Māori descent, with tribal affiliations to Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Mutunga. From 2008 to Her Honour’s appointment to the bench, Judge Tan was a barrister sole. Prior to that Her Honour was an associate with McCaw Lewis, a litigation lawyer with Walters Williams and Co and Her Honour started her career at East Brewster in Rotorua in 1998. Judge Tan has broad litigation experience including an earlier career focused on Treaty of Waitangi claims and is a specialist in all aspects of family law including being an accredited mediator. Judge Tan was sworn in on 18 February 2020 with Family Court jurisdiction.
Her Honour Judge Yelavich
Judge Yelavich began her career with Meredith Connell as a solicitor, before leaving to travel overseas. Upon Her Honour’s return to New Zealand, Judge Yelavich worked as a solicitor for Neumegan and Co, before re-joining Meredith Connell where Her Honour remained until 2015. Immediately prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Yelavich was a Principal Crown Prosecutor at Kayes Fletcher Walker Ltd in Manukau. Judge Yelavich was sworn in on 9 March 2021 with jury jurisdiction.
Her Honour Judge Grau
After admission to the bar, Judge Grau was a Judge’s Clerk for Her Honour Justice Glazebrook at the Court of Appeal from 2003 to 2004. Following that Her Honour worked as Legal Counsel in the Commerce Commission between 2005 and 2006 before commencing practice as a barrister in Stout Street Chambers, Wellington, assisting (then) Stephen Kós QC. Between 2007 and 2015 Judge Grau worked as a Crown Prosecutor at Luke Cunningham and Clere, Wellington. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Her Honour worked in the Crown Law Office as Crown Counsel in the Criminal Group. Judge Grau was sworn in on 23 February 2021 with jury jurisdiction.
- When: 23 November 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
- How: Link to be sent by Zoom
- Tickets: Free of charge!
Please register by 4 pm Friday, 19 November 2021.