Scott McColgan

Scott McColgan brings extensive criminal litigation experience to Mātai Chambers, combining his background as a senior Crown prosecutor with over a decade of defence advocacy in New Zealand's most serious criminal cases.

Background and Credentials

Scott graduated from Victoria University of Wellington and began his legal career as a staff solicitor at Inland Revenue before moving into insurance litigation. He joined Meredith Connell in Auckland, where he progressed to senior Crown prosecutor, gaining invaluable insight into Crown case preparation and trial strategy.

Experience

Scott joined Mātai Chambers near its establishment and has since acted as defence counsel in numerous high-profile cases, including murder and major drug trials. His expertise extends beyond criminal law, having appeared as co-counsel in complex trust litigation in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. His prosecutorial background provides a strategic advantage in identifying Crown case weaknesses and anticipating trial tactics.

Instructions

Scott accepts private instructions and is categorised to accept legal aid cases that carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Recent case examples

R v R - murder trial. Client acquitted of murder and manslaughter. Convicted of being an accessory after the fact of murder.

R v P - client convicted of murder, kidnapping and wounding.