Thursday, 26 February 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
* This interactive online recording includes questions and quizzes requiring critical thinking about the topics, so you have no annual limits to the number of points/hours you can claim with this format of learning. Please verify with your CPD rules
Chair
Rob Latton, Barrister, FortyEight Shortland Chambers
Drafting Affidavits and Witness Statements
Learn how to draft clear, concise and persuasive affidavits and witness statements that strengthen your client’s case. You will learn the importance of structure, relevance, evidentiary requirements and practical tips for avoiding common drafting pitfalls.
Presented by Ben Prewett, Barrister & Arbitrator, Bankside Chambers
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key requirements for preparing clear, relevant and persuasive affidavits and witness statements.
- Identify common drafting pitfalls and improve the evidentiary value of written witness evidence.
Presenters
Rob Latton, Barrister, FortyEight Shortland BarristersRob Latton is a barrister practicing from 48 Shortland Barristers, Auckland. He is a practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Commencing practice as a barrister sole in 2016, Rob specializes in civil and commercial advice and litigation, and has been involved in extensive estates and trusts work in recent years. In particular, he has acted for many executors and trustees in claims alleging breaches of duty, as well as challenges to wills and general estate disputes, including Burgess & Another v Monk & Others (No. 6).
Ben Prewett, Barrister & Arbitrator, Bankside Chambers
Ben Prewett is a barrister and arbitrator at Bankside Chambers in Auckland. He specialises in commercial litigation and international arbitration, with particular experience in disputes involving energy and natural resources, construction, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, and shareholders’ agreements. Before joining Bankside Chambers in 2020, Ben was a Senior Associate at Three Crowns LLP in London and Paris, where he acted in complex international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations conducted under the ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, ICSID and SCC Rules. Earlier in his career, he practised with specialist litigation and arbitration firm Gilbert Walker in Auckland. Ben holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Auckland and a Master of Laws from Stanford University, which he attended as a Fulbright Scholar. He has been recognised as a highly regarded lawyer by The Legal 500 and as a Future Leader in international arbitration by Who’s Who Legal.
