Dale La Hood will be sworn in in October
Attorney‑General David Parker has announced the appointment of Luke Cunningham Clere (LCC) governance board chair Dale La Hood as a judge of the High Court.
The Wellington-based barrister and solicitor had been leading the firm since April. He is set to begin sitting in Wellington on 24 October.
La Hood sat on the regulatory board of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was also part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Operation Respect Steering Group. He served as legal adviser to the New Zealand Law Society Working Group.
According to LCC’s website, the Attorney-General has appointed La Hood to present allegations to a judicial conduct panel; he was named special counsel in 2021 and counsel to assist special counsel in 2010.
La Hood obtained his LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1994. He worked as a criminal defence lawyer and litigator at the Levin firm Todd Whitehouse in the subsequent year.
In 1999, he moved to the UK, where he worked with London-based firms Vizard Oldham Solicitors and Hartfields Solicitors, focusing on civil litigation and public law. His focus during this period was mainly on insurance, professional indemnity, and public law.
Returning to New Zealand in 2001, La Hood continued his work as a criminal defence lawyer and litigator at Sladden Cochrane & Co in Wellington. In 2006, he commenced with LCC, the Wellington Crown Solicitor’s office, as a Crown prosecutor and litigator. He concentrated on prosecuting serious crimes including sexual abuse, complex fraud, and homicide. In 2007, he ascended to the partnership.
La Hood has appeared in the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, representing clients in criminal, civil, human rights, and public law matters. He is also a member of the Serious Fraud Office Panel of prosecutors.
Furthermore, he represented public organisations in diverse areas, including human rights, regulatory enforcement, professional discipline, and health.
La Hood is set to be sworn in on 25 October.
