LawFuel Power List 2025
No. 49
A legend at the bar with a career spanning 55+ years including 100+ murder trials, Hampton recently resigned from the Criminal Cases Review Commission citing concerns about independence and expertise.
He retains his reputation as one of NZ’s best defence lawyers with expertise extending to major inquiries including Pike River and the Christchurch mosque shooting. Having chaired the NZ Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, served as first Disciplinary Commissioner of Counsel at the International Criminal Court (2007), and Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, his ongoing advocacy continues to shape NZ’s legal landscape.
At No. 49, Hampton’s placement reflects a towering career now in its twilight. His Commission resignation over principle demonstrates that even in semi-retirement, he’s willing to fight for institutional integrity. That’s influence of a different sort, moral rather than transactional.
