"My case ended up being multiple years and the support, commitment and communication from the HBC Legal team was fantastic. It remained the same consistently throughout the years. I am so happy with the outcome of everything."
© 2025 MFB
// Madeleine Flannagan - LLB
Madeleine has expertise across most areas of Family Law including Appeals and Judicial Review, for which she offers Legal Aid.
She also engages in Harassment Law, Defamation and Animal Welfare work in a private capacity only.
EDUCATION AND CAREER
Madeleine began her law degree at the University of Waikato, where she was elected Vice-President of the student body. She later transferred her studies to the University of Auckland, completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
During her studies, she worked as an in-house Legal Assistant at Sanitarium Health Food.
In 2011, Madeleine started her legal practice on the Hibiscus Coast with Coast Legal and later Lawes Law. Her focus was primarily on Family Law, with developing expertise in Harassment Law.
In 2016, upon being appointed as a Barrister sole, she founded Hibiscus Coast Legal Chambers Ltd in Orewa (“HBC Legal”), employed staff barristers and later opened East Auckland Legal Chambers in Howick.
At the end of 2024, Madeleine relocated to rural North Waikato to enjoy a quieter life with her family and horses. She now practices from Pukekohe, primarily specialising in Family Law, including Appeals and Judicial Review.
Some of her work has set legal precedents, been reported in the media and law journals, and is taught in law schools throughout New Zealand. She is periodically invited to speak on her specialist topics to her profession and the public.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PRO BONO WORK
Madeleine offers some pro bono assistance to charitable organisations, including the Rodney Animal Rescue Trust for whom she is a founding board member and the honorary lawyer.
// expertise
- Protection Orders
- Parenting Orders
- Guardianship Disputes
- Additional Guardianship
- Paternity
- Adoption
- Appeals
- Judicial Review
// Credentials
- Bachelor of Laws
- Lead Provider of Family Law Legal Aid
- New Zealand Bar Association
- Family Law Section
- The Law Association
- The Law Association Friends Panel
- Family Court Association Auckland
// Clients Testimonials
AD
Former client“Thank you again for all of your support and work for us this year. Things are so incredibly different now; basically they are how we always wanted them to be – friendly, cooperative, balanced. We know that this would not have happened without going through this tough process and we are glad we did and that we had you.”
AL
Former Client“I have had experience with lawyers and I found Madeleine so efficient, clever and straight forward. She was awesome.”
BT
Former Client“We are thrilled with the wonderful outcome. I know we have said thanks for your great work on the case; but once again – thanks so much Madeleine, you were the right person for the job!”
CH
Former Client"Madeline, thank you for all your hard work, and your faithfulness. Your clear headed direction helped to get me through the hardest period of my life. You've been great, and you've given me a real sense of respect for the dedication lawyers have to exert on behalf of their clients late into the night sometimes, rushing to court, and having to put up with endless minutia that seems so important at the time to frustrated and frightened, or angry clients. Thank you for your patience with me, I was like a fish out of water in this whole process."
PS
Former Client“Madeleine, you supported us greatly in a time of dire need, when we were drowning in sorrow, stress and confusion. You showed us the love which Christ speaks of. Please accept our deep, heartfelt, thankyou.”
MG
Former Client“Thankyou for all the support Madeleine. Words seem not enough. I will never forget you seeing the truth and understanding and being here for us.”
MK
Former Client“Thank you for everything. Madeleine, you are an angel. You got us our children back.”
RL
Former Client"I was having major anxiety and suffering panic attacks about facing court and this whole family court process. You have eased them. Thank you for being so lovely and understanding. You do an amazing job Madeleine. I appreciate all of your hard work."
TA
Former Client"I just want to let you know I'm so grateful for all the work that you have done for my case Madeleine, you are the most incredible lawyer and you really worked hard for me. I really appreciate everything that you have done."