Shane Kilian MTaxS(Hons), B.Proc (South Africa), PGDipLS

Principal, International Tax Lawyer and Civil & Criminal Trial Lawyer

Shane founded Kilian & Associates in 2011 after half a decade managing the IRD's Technical and Legal Unit and several years in a top-tier law firm. Shane is admitted as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand, New South Wales and South Africa and has a Master of Taxation degree from the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

Beginning his career as a civil and commercial litigator enabled him to obtain extensive court room and advocacy experience. He specialises in all aspects of tax controversy and administrative law. He advises clients during Inland Revenue investigations, conducts the formal aspects of the statutory tax disputes process, and litigates tax and related issues, including criminal tax prosecutions.

In addition, Shane's extensive commercial and tax background has provided him with a unique set of high-level skills in the corporate restructuring environment.

As an experienced criminal litigator, Shane's practice covers a wide range of criminal offending including fraud and dishonesty, violent crimes, drug, and sex offending as well as regulatory offending. Some highlights in recent times includes:

• Acting as counsel for one of three defendants in the longest criminal trial in New Zealand, stretching 15 months in total. Shane’s client was the only defendant acquitted on all charges. Charges were fraud related.
• A successful section 106 (Discharge without Conviction) application for a 20-year-old initially charged with wounding with reckless disregard.
• End sentence of Home Detention and Community Work for a client charged with supplying 6+ kilograms of methamphetamine. Starting point was 10 years and discounts totaled 80%.
• Full withdrawal of all charges laid by the Inland Revenue Department, despite a previous Counsel advising the client to plead guilty to all charges and face a potential 7 years in prison.

Combining criminal and commercial litigation experience gives him a unique viewpoint from which he can resolve private client disputes. He has successfully appeared in all forums including District Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and various specialist tribunals, including mediation and arbitration. Including representing a client in the longest criminal fraud trial in New Zealand.

Shane is categorised at the highest level as a Legal Aid provider in criminal and civil litigation and takes instructions privately.