Senior Associate - Auckland
Lilla Dittrich
Expertise
About
Lilla has advised and represented government departments, regulators, and commercial clients in a range of public law and civil disputes. Her experience includes acting in tortious, judicial review, Treaty-related, and Bill of Rights Act 1990 proceedings, regulatory and criminal prosecutions, and climate-related litigation. She has appeared before the District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, a range of specialist tribunals and dispute resolution bodies, including the Coroner's Court.
Lilla has particular experience managing large-scale and complex civil litigation on behalf of government. This has included acting in proceedings that require a strategic and sensitive approach, balancing legal, operational, and public-interest considerations.
Prior to joining MC, Lilla worked at the Crown Law Office providing advice and representation in proceedings involving public law, environmental and constitutional matters.
Lilla also holds an Intermediate Crown Prosecutor classification.
Recent Cases & Achievements
Acted on a large-scale claim alleging breach of trust and fiduciary duty by the Crown relating to return of land in the Wakatū/Nelson area.
Acted on a number of civil proceedings against government departments alleging breaches in tort, including novel duties of care, and under the Bill of Rights Act, and in judicial review proceedings challenging government decision making.
Represented the Department of Corrections in a high-profile inquest.
Acted on behalf of a corporate client in a greenwashing proceeding under the Fair Trading Act.
Acted in regulatory prosecutions for the Commerce Commission in respect of breaches of the Fair Trading Act and Commerce Act.
Credentials
LLB/BA, University of Auckland
LLM (Research), University of Amsterdam (Public International Law)