“Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change”
– Barbara Mikulski
So what is the good lawyer?
In 2016 Susan Gray and I joined the independent criminal bar. As part of our practice we want to contribute to society in a meaningful way. We decided to create The Good Lawyer platform to do this.
Our first project is the Good Book Project. I want to fill New Zealand’s prisons with books. There is a chronic shortage of books in New Zealand prisons particularly in minority languages. Reading allows prisoners to experience and think about new ideas and human stories, both similar and different to their own. Either way, reading in prison can offer hope, knowledge and help pass the days and nights in a constructive way. Books must be in excellent condition (The libraries are strict: books must be near new, no yellow pages or broken spines- novels, self-help and biographies are highly sought after).
Our second project is Shirt On Your Back, an initiative to provide shirts to people held in custody for jury trials or where the media will be present in Court to minimise prejudice based on their appearance. As criminal practitioners’ are aware many defendants’ on remand do not have visitors, or access to a clean presentable smart shirt. This causes stress and inequality in the justice process. We have permission from the Department of Corrections to have the shirts available at Mt Eden Prison. They will be regularly laundered by Corrections. If you have any good condition mens’ shirts of all sizes to donate, they will be gratefully received.
Want to help with the Good Book Project or Shirt on Your Back? Get in touch with Emma and Susan or deliver to Augusta Chambers, Level 9, 115 Queen Street (off Swanson Lane),