A recent study published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences reveals that criminal and legal cases can be resolved up to six times faster with the proper use of forensic evidence. Digital evidence in particular, enables the efficient retrieval and analysis of digital data, significantly speeding up case resolution. While DNA evidence is often regarded as the gold standard in many cases worldwide, it is crucial that it is collected, analysed, and presented according to precise legal standards. This expert panel will share with you their exceptional skills and deep insights into forensic evidence, providing valuable support for your practice. Discover how to apply forensic knowledge to your cases, interpret results accurately, and to ensure that your independent expert witnesses serve your cases well.

Presenters

Dr Amanda Bean, Director, Bean Law
After years of scientific research culminating in a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Waikato, Amanda embarked on a legal career with the aim of specialising in the use of scientific evidence in criminal trials, including physics, chemistry, and biology. As a result, she has a keen interest in Forensic Science and legal cases involving medical or scientific data. Amanda is a Solicitor and Director at Bean Law in Hamilton and practices alongside a small team of lawyers focusing on Criminal and Family Law.


Paige McElhinney, Director, Forensic Science Consultant, The Forensic Group
Paige McElhinney has worked in forensic science for over 20 years. She has worked for both the Crown, at ESR, and the defence, now a Director and forensic science consultant for The Forensic Group Ltd. Her areas of knowledge and expertise include - crime scene examination, body fluid identification, blood stain pattern interpretation, clothing damage, hair comparisons, footwear impression location, recovery and comparison and using DNA results to assist in interpretations. Paige was the Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care (DSAC) (now MEDSAC) liaison at ESR and represented ESR at training courses on sexual abuse for medical personnel run by DSAC, as well as at the training of Police Medical Officers. She was also part of the team that developed the most recent medical examination kit and co-authored the chapters on Forensic Specimens and Forensic Science and Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault in The Medical Management of Sexual Assault (Sixth Edition 2006), published by DSAC.


Professor Olaf H. Drummer AO, Forensic Toxicology Consultant Specialist, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Professor Olaf H. Drummer AO, Dr.h.c.(Antwerp), PhD (Melb), BAppSc(RMIT), FRCPA, FFSC, FACBS, FVIFM, CChem, is a forensic pharmacologist and toxicologist. He retired as Deputy Director (Academic Programs) at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, and Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University in 2017 He is currently a part time forensic toxicology consultant specialist for the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and emeritus professor at Monash University. He completed his Applied Chemistry Degree at completed Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 1973 and his PhD a few years later from Melbourne University. He is also a member of a number of national and international associations. He is the editor for toxicology manuscript submissions for Forensic Science International, and sits on a number of editorial boards of several journals. He is also an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), a founding fellow of the Faculty of Science within the RCPA; a fellow of the Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists (ACBS), a honorary fellow of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of London (UK), and a fellow of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM).


Campbell McKenzie, Director, Incident Response Solutions
Campbell is the Founder and Director of Incident Response Solutions Limited, providing forensic, cyber security and crisis management services. Campbell was previously a Director at PwC New Zealand (12 years) and led PwC's national "forensic technology" practice, and the Auckland "cyber security" practice, a combined team of 11 expert staff. Prior to PwC, Campbell was a founding member of NZ Police's Electronic Crime Laboratory (4.5 years) and as an expert witness, he specialises in electronic investigations, cybercrime incident response and eDiscovery matters. He is recognised by the District and High Courts of New Zealand as a forensic technology expert and has also been appointed as an independent expert by the High Court. Campbell understands how critical it is for law firms to mitigate the cyber risks they face. Therefore in 2020, Incident Response Solutions published the "Cyber Security Guide for NZ Law Firms", a contextual resource to assist lawyers and law firms manage their cyber security risk.