Steve has been practicing law for nearly forty years with experience in criminal, traffic, family, employment, mediation and military law.

Steve provides a quality, friendly service, working with clients to ensure that they are fully involved in the decisions relating to their legal matters by ensuring a full understanding and ownership of the legal issues and processes.

Professional Background
Steve was admitted to the bar in 1974, and commenced practice as barrister sole in 1989. Steve has served with the New Zealand Defence Force as part-time territorial and full-time legal officer.
In 2001 he served as a NZ Army legal officer in East Timor, and was later the NZ Defence Force Director of Legal Training, returning to private legal practice in 2012.

During his  more than 30 years of private practice, Steve has had extensive experience in criminal cases from murder down, traffic including work licences, family law – all aspects, employment law, inquests, mediation and military discipline law. Steve had appeared before the District Court, Employment Authority, Family Court, Youth Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Courts Martial, the Courts Martial Appeal Court, and numerous tribunals.

Recent Experience
Steve has recently been instructed to act on criminal prosecutions, court martial trials and appeals,relationship property matters, paternity, defending domestic violence applications, guardianship, relocation and child care matters, mediation, civil litigation, as lawyer for the child, as counsel for the NZDF at the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy Royal Commission and other military law matters.

Professional Memberships
• Member of New Zealand Law Society, Wellington Branch, and past District Law Society President
• Member Bar Association of New Zealand
• Member of Armed Forces Courts Martial Defence panel
• Committee member of the Armed Forces Law Association of NZ

References

Family Law
"I want to single you out, Mr Taylor, for the way you have gone about your task. You have a client who is very vulnerable. On the one hand, you have been your client's advocate to act on her instructions. On the other hand, you have been there to support and advise. You have done it expertly. It is a lesson to others." - Judge P F Boshier, Wellington Family Court, Hearing 28-30 January 2013, Judgment 30 January 2013.

Steve Taylor is very humble, helpful, dedicated, knowledgeable and honest. His experience shows and his confidence is strong. Steve encouraged me to "stick with it", and he made me focus on the ultimate goal of keeping the custody of my children, during a 2 year long case which included mediation. Steve went over and above my expectations on all occasions. I believed Steve that the true nature of the children’s mother would be seen by the Judge. After a two day defended hearing I succeeded with the children remaining in my day-to-day care. I highly recommend Steve Taylor, and will definitely call on him myself if I need legal assistance ever again. – KG March 2015

District Court Criminal
"I just want to take this opportunity to thank you very, very much for everything you have done for us. The work you do in the courts is formidable and I really appreciate it! Thank you for your support and hard work Steve, I wish You and Your family all the best in the following Years to come. My utmost respect and honour to you!" - NL, August 2014

Military Law – Court Martial and Appeal
Steve was one of two Heretaunga Law barristers (Michael Bott was the other) that I engaged as my counsel to defend charges that were laid under military law and so were somewhat unique...indeed under normal civil or criminal law the allegations do not even constitute an offence. I knew that the military judicial system would be a significant challenge, not only because of the resources that would be applied but also because of the distinct ‘in house’ processes that would be applied. I was aware that Steve had previous experience as an Army legal officer, and I knew he was well respected for his knowledge and application to that role. My faith and confidence in Steve was proven to be well founded, his technical knowledge of Defence Force regulations and the military justice system was invaluable, as was his methodical and detailed approach to the complex issues my case presented. Listening to clients is a skill and virtue that some lawyers forget or never really understand; Steve is one that not only listened he also sought my views, provided feedback and throughout a very difficult period (of nigh on two years) he maintained regular contact and showed genuine concern for me and my family. His advocacy, diligence, professional knowledge and the sincerity of his personal interaction were of the highest standards. He, alongside Michael secured a successful outcome that saw the Court Martial Appeal Court not only quash all charges but also dismiss the Crown application for a re-trial. I unreservedly recommend Steve to those in need of quality legal support. - KK, December 2014