40 Michael Friedlander

A property portfolio worth close to a billion dollars, plus high level philanthropy work, provide Sir Michael Friedlander, 83, with a unique power within the legal profession.

Power List duo: Sir Michael Friedlander with fellow Power List member Dame Patsy Reddy upon receiving his knighthood in 2016

A consultant at law firm Keegan Alexander – where he was a partner for 40 years – Friedlander was last year made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community.

He is a well-known philanthropist through the Friedlander Foundation, as well as donating generously to the Liggins Institute, the Auckland Art Gallery, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the Jewish community.