It is believed convicted murderer Clayton Weatherston will be represented at his appeal by Wellington lawyer Robert Lithgow, QC.
The 33-year-old former University of Otago tutor was jailed for at least 18 years in September last year for stabbing and mutilating former girlfriend Sophie Elliott 216 times.
Weatherston's lead trial lawyer Judith Ablett-Kerr, QC, received hate mail and death threats for representing him in his defence of provocation.
Property belonging to Mrs Ablett-Kerr was also vandalised.
Mr Lithgow has refused to comment on the appeal, but sources including the Court of Appeal understand that he has accepted the case.
Weatherston's appeal against his conviction and sentence will be heard in June.
