Ben Finn
Partner - Tumuaki

LLB/BA (Hons), University of Auckland

Contact
bmf@lcc.co.nz
+64 27 3411 131

Want to join Ben at LCC Auckland, we are always on the lookout for good people.

 

Ben has extensive expertise in representing and advising public sector agencies.  He has represented the Crown, Police, Financial Markets Authority, WorkSafe, Serious Fraud Office, Commerce Commission and many other public-sector agencies in serious criminal and regulatory cases.  He is a highly experienced advocate who has appeared in numerous trials, appeals and other hearings in the District Court, High Court, Coroner’s Court and Court of Appeal.  He has regularly provided regulatory and criminal advice and training to Crown entities and private clients.

Before joining Luke Cunningham Clere Ben worked at the Office of the Auckland Crown Solicitor for more than 14 years, becoming a Senior Crown prosecutor, and before that in London in the Crown Prosecution Service proceeds of crime team.  He started his legal career at a major New Zealand law firm working primarily in the civil and  commercial litigation team.  He has worked on secondment at both the Serious Fraud Office (2012-2013) and WorkSafe New Zealand (2020-2021).

 Ben has also lectured in Criminal Procedure at the AUT.

Recent and notable work:

  • Lead prosecutor in the High Court and Court of Appeal in a serious and complex fraud prosecution brought by the Financial Markets Authority: R v Robertson [2020] NZCA 218.

  • Appearing as counsel assisting the Coroner in a coronial inquest following a suicide in a mental health facility.

  • Principal Legal Advisor (seconded) to Worksafe New Zealand from May 2020 to July 2021 and acting Principal Legal Advisor (litigation) since December 2022.  His work for WorkSafe has included appearing regularly in criminal and civil proceedings and inquests throughout New Zealand and advising extensively about the application of health and safety and Covid-19 legislation. Ben has prosecuted multiple defended hearings including Worksafe New Zealand v McLellan Freight Limited [2023] NZDC 15451 and WorkSafe New Zealand v Culham Engineering Company Limited [2023] NZDC 26308.

  • Prosecuting complex multi-defendant proceedings brought by the Financial Markets Authority arising out of the collapse of two finance companies: R v Bublitz and others.

  • Advising and appearing as counsel for the Commissioner of Police and/or the Official Assignee in multiple High Court proceedings involving the restraint and forfeiture of criminal proceeds.

  • Part of the legal team advising Police as part of its civil proceedings involving alleged breaches of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act brought by Kim Dotcom in 2017.