Robinson Legal is a specialist law firm based in Wellington, New Zealand, dedicated to empowering clients through expert compliance advice and robust advocacy. The firm is particularly renowned for its deep expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Crime, serving a diverse clientele that includes New Zealand businesses, financial institutions, and individuals.
Led by Firm Principal Marty Robinson, a highly experienced Barrister & Solicitor, Robinson Legal offers a broad range of legal services. Marty is a recognised authority in the field, having co-authored "The Anti-Money Laundering Regime: A Practical Guide" (LexisNexis) and bringing two decades of experience from roles at the UK Serious Fraud Office, New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs, and as a Crown Prosecutor. This extensive background provides the firm with unparalleled insight into regulatory mindsets and enforcement tactics.
The firm's litigation specialists excel in both prosecution and defence, advising on complex financial crime, AML/CFT, general criminal cases, and regulatory investigations. They are committed to providing robust, practical advice designed to minimise disruption and maximise demonstrable compliance for their clients. Robinson Legal works constructively with — and sometimes against — a range of government agencies on behalf of its clients, always striving for the best possible outcomes.
Robinson Legal stands as a leading law firm in Wellington, New Zealand, distinguished by its profound expertise in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Financial Crime. The firm is dedicated to empowering its diverse clientele—from businesses and financial institutions to individuals—with unparalleled compliance advice and robust legal advocacy. At the heart of Robinson Legal's mission is a commitment to navigating complex legal landscapes with precision, safeguarding clients' reputations, and securing the best possible outcomes. They work constructively with — and sometimes against — a range of government agencies on behalf of their clients, always striving for the most favourable results.
The firm is spearheaded by its Principal, Marty Robinson, a Barrister & Solicitor whose two decades of experience in financial crime and related areas have cemented his reputation as a trusted authority. Marty is not only a seasoned practitioner but also a respected thought leader, co-authoring "The Anti-Money Laundering Regime: A Practical Guide" (LexisNexis). This comprehensive legal text is an essential resource for reporting entities striving to establish and maintain their AML systems, as well as for specialists providing advice in this intricate domain, simplifying the complex regime into actionable insights.
Marty's distinguished career includes significant roles that have endowed Robinson Legal with a unique strategic advantage. His tenure as an Investigative Lawyer at the UK Serious Fraud Office provided invaluable insight into the prosecutorial side of complex financial crimes. Furthermore, his experience as Principal Solicitor at New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs and as a Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Solicitor’s Office, combined with extensive work as a criminal defence and civil litigation lawyer, means he brings a holistic understanding of the legal system. This unique perspective allows Robinson Legal to anticipate regulatory strategies and enforcement tactics, giving clients a significant edge in their defence and compliance efforts.
Robinson Legal offers a broad spectrum of legal services designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals and organisations in today's demanding regulatory environment.
**Financial Crime Law:** The firm excels in navigating complex financial laws, providing tenacious defence against white-collar charges such as fraud, money laundering, insider trading, and tax evasion. Their expertise extends to Serious Fraud Office (SFO) cases, criminal fraud and deception prosecutions, and sensitive matters involving government agencies like IRD, MSD, WINZ, ACC, ComCom, DIA, MBIE, Customs, MPI, and Worksafe. Clients benefit from a defence strategy sharpened by Marty's deep insight into regulatory mindsets, often securing results nobody thought possible, as noted by former clients.
**Criminal Law:** Offering assertive defence with proven results, Robinson Legal's expert criminal lawyers fight tirelessly to protect clients' rights and achieve optimal outcomes across the full range of criminal cases, from traffic infringements to serious charges. They are committed to ensuring every client receives diligent and supportive representation.
**Regulatory & Disciplinary:** The firm is highly adept at defending clients in various regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. They are committed to protecting careers, reputations, and rights before tribunals, professional boards, and government agencies, ensuring clients receive a fair hearing and robust representation when their professional standing is at stake.
**AML / CFT Expertise:** As dedicated specialists in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism, Robinson Legal provides expert advice and advocacy across all associated compliance areas. They assist all affected sectors in understanding and implementing the complex AML regime, offering practical, logical solutions for demonstrable compliance that are well-received at all levels. This includes bespoke plans to simplify and streamline compliance obligations.
**Gambling Law:** Robinson Legal provides crucial defence against Gambling Act prosecutions, whether these relate to allegations of illegal gambling operations, operator fraud, or the illicit use of equipment. They possess the specialised knowledge required to protect client rights effectively under this complex legal regime.
**Proceeds of Crime:** The firm handles intricate Proceeds of Crime cases with precision and strategic focus, defending clients in complex criminal trials that often involve serious charges, multi-party defendants, and highly contested evidence. Their litigation specialists are skilled in navigating these challenging legal battles.
**In-House Services:** For organisations requiring integrated legal support, Robinson Legal offers unique in-house services. Leveraging extensive private and government experience, their team can embed directly within a client's organisation, rolling up their sleeves to provide hands-on, trench-level assistance that aligns seamlessly with internal operations. This service is designed to provide robust, practical advice with minimal disruption to daily business.
Robinson Legal's client base is notably diverse, reflecting the broad applicability and critical nature of their expertise. They work with all New Zealand businesses that need to comply with AML legislation, offering a no-obligation appraisal of liabilities to simplify and streamline compliance plans. Their services are invaluable to FMCA Reporting Entities, AML Reporting Entities, Financial Institutions, Lawyers and Conveyancers, Accountants, Small Business Owners, and individual citizens facing significant legal challenges. The firm also boasts experience advising government entities, further showcasing their comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape.
The firm's approach is consistently praised by clients for its professionalism, responsiveness, kindness, and diligence. Testimonials highlight their ability to identify, design, and remediate complex AML issues, simplify and consolidate processes, and achieve life-changing results in challenging cases. Robinson Legal's litigation specialists bring unparalleled experience, ensuring that whether it's expert advice on compliance, vigorous advocacy in court, or embedded legal support, clients receive dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly effective assistance. They truly embody their mission: empowering clients through compliance, advice, and advocacy, making them the trusted legal partner in Wellington and beyond.