LawFuel “Power List” Shows Women Moving Up In Changing Legal Landscape

LawFuel New Zealand – LawFuel’s “Power List” of the most powerful lawyers in New Zealand shows an increasing number of women are occupying power positions in the administration of law in New Zealand.

Top in the list this year is recently appointed Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy (pictured) who already made the previous list as an experienced and capable lawyer and businesswoman.

The List notes that changing political and constitutional landscape provides considerable power to her position beyond the merely ceremonial role she plays.

The previous number one position was held by Justice CEO Andrew Bridgman who now slips to number 2 in the list, published by the law news site LawFuel.

The List does not include members of the judiciary or politicians, but focuses upon lawyers and others in private practice, public service and business.  Among the public service lawyers wielding increasing power are Commerce Commission chief Mark Berry, FMA head Rob Everett and Solicitor General Una Jagose.

Although the number of women on the list remains the same as in the 2015 list at 15, women are generally increasing their ‘power’ in the law with the promotion of Una Jagose to Solicitor General role following the resignation of previous Solicitor General Michael Heron QC.

Also adding to their power quotient is the ‘spymasters’ Rebecca Kitteridge heading the GCSB and SIS chief Cheryl Gwyn.

Assisting the ‘power women’ is the position of Law Society president Kathryn Beck.

A growing number of inhouse lawyers is also of note, with legal departments in major businesses and other corporate organisations making their mark upon the way law is administered.

Westpac chief David McLean, a former staff solicitor in Wellington and former
Simpson Grierson partner Mark Verbiest,(pictured) who holds directorships in Treasury, along with fellow Power Lister and lawyer Cathy Quinn, Spark, ANZ Bank, Transpower, Freighways and others.

The LawFuel Power List of 50 top New Zealand lawyers also includes some of the most powerful lawyers in Australia in preparation for the publication of the Australian Power List, as well as looking at some of the legal leaders running New Zealand’s major firms.

It also looks at some of the emerging power contenders in a rapidly changing legal landscape facing new challenges, but also reaching new contenders to hold top power roles in New Zealand law.

For details on the LawFuel Power List see the site at this link.