4 Una Jagose, QC Solicitor General Una Jagose called for a 'cultural reset' of the legla profession in the Law Foundation's Ethel Benjamin address this October. People listened. As chief executive of the Crown Law Office and its 180 staff, and also the ‘‘professional head’’ of more than 800 lawyers employed by the government’s various departments, ministries and … [Read more...]

9 Geoffrey Palmer, QC Last Year: No. 13 Eminence gris of the Bar the redoubtable Sir Geoffrey Palmer remains as engaged in legal affairs as ever, never afraid to place his opinion where it may find a home.  Sir Geoffrey made a rapid rise up the rankings last year with his Aotearoa Constitution work with Russell McVeagh partner Andrew Butler,  … [Read more...]

22 Nick Kynoch FMA General Counsel and Acting Co-Head of Capital Markets, Nick Kynock joined the Authority following work in London but his influence upon FMA policy and enforcement is considerable and the increased muscle flexing by the FMA has seen him in the forefront of compliance and enforcement efforts. This year he was active in issuing a "stop order" against … [Read more...]

38 Brian Henry The combative 'blood brother' to NZ First leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Brian Henry's power is principally due to political affiliations rather than through his lawyering. Currently embroiled in a imbroglio involving the chimerical NZ First Foundation and an application to NZ First member and senior government minister Shane Jones … [Read more...]

35 Nicola Sladden As the New Zealand banking scene grapples with a range of issues ranging from Reserve Bank deposit requirement to fees and privacy concerns, banking ombudsman Nicola Sladden has found her role come into sharper relief than ever. The big four Australian-owned banks - ASB, ANZ, Westpac and BNZ - made over $5 billion in profits last year. One of … [Read more...]