31. David Bricklebank
The ‘bank’ is in the name and David Bricklebank’s role in New Zealand’s largest bank with assets exceeding $180 billion is one of significance given the increased regulatory and compliance requirements affecting all financial institutions.
As General Counsel and Company Secretary of Athe bank since 2017, he holds a key role in the country’s legal and financial spheres. Bricklebank’s role is pivotal in navigating complex regulatory waters and shaping industry strategies.
His experience working with former Prime Minister Sir John Key as ANZ’s chair provides unique insights into finance, law, and politics. Bricklebank’s global outlook, honed through roles in London and at Telecom, proves invaluable as ANZ faces challenges like increased scrutiny, public concerns over “bankflation,” and government inquiries.
His leadership in regulatory compliance, digital innovation, and sustainability initiatives cements his position as a key player in New Zealand’s evolving financial landscape
32. Jackie Floyd
General Counsel at Fonterra since 2023, Floyd navigates complex challenges, including evolving dairy industry regulations, international trade barriers, and sustainability initiatives.
She’s instrumental in addressing on-farm profitability issues and managing processor competition for milk supply. Her influence extends beyond traditional legal boundaries as she steers Fonterra through the Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill and global market dynamics affecting the industry and its effect upon the New Zealand economy.
Handling of these multifaceted issues, coupled with her role in shaping Fonterra’s legal strategy amidst a changing global dairy landscape.
The Women Criminal Lawyers Redefining Criminal Law
33. Mai Chen
Perennial power lister Mai Chen continues to exert her force field of influence across the legal world creating news and influence.
As chair of the Superdiversity Institute and president of New Zealand Asian Lawyers, Chen champions diversity in the profession.
She recently established the Mai Chen Legal Innovation Award at Otago University, encouraging innovative legal thinking among students. She has also previously established the Superdiversity Institute on Law, Policy and Business as wess as establishing the New Zealand Asian Lawyers and of course previously setting up her eponymous law firm before become a barrister.
She is an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland and has sat on numerous boards serving both commercial and public interests.
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34. Paul Majurey
Paul Majurey’s powerful influence in New Zealand stems from his unique combination of legal expertise and business involvement. As a senior partner at Holm Majurey, he has played a significant role in both environmental and urban issues as well as Treaty negotiations and urban development.
His business leadership is exemplified by his role as chair of Eke Panuku Development Auckland, where he oversees major urban development projects, including the Auckland waterfront redevelopment and the Wynyard Quarter development. Majurey also chairs the Maunga Authority and manages a $115 million iwi investment fund, demonstrating his ability to bridge traditional Māori interests with contemporary business practices.
His 26-year specialization in environmental and Treaty of Waitangi law has made him an expert in those areas and he also serves as lead negotiator for 30 iwi (Māori tribes) in Treaty negotiations.
His work extends to major projects like the “Maungārongo” development, a collaboration with Ockham Residential at Unitec’s former Mt Albert campus to create a “village within a city” in Auckland’s Ōwairaka Mt Albert suburb where he is a key leader as chairman of Eke Panuku Development and Marutūāhu.
Majurey’s background as the son of a nurse and a shearing gang rousie has grounded his approach, enabling him to connect authentically with both iwi interests and corporate stakeholders.
35. Deborah Chambers KC
Deborah Chambers KC, our previously dubbed “divorce trust diva” has consistently held top rankings in both global and Asia-Pacific Chambers and Partners Guides, handling high-profile divorce cases, particularly those with multi-jurisdictional aspects.
She sponsors the annual Justice Sir Robert Chambers Memorial Moot at the University of Auckland Law School. She has advocated for broadening the definition of “property” in relationship cases and for better recognition of economic disparity, particularly on behalf of traditional wives and both written and taught about these topics.
36. Craig Douglas
Running a growing legal team overseeing an almost $80 billion fund provides key challenges for Craig Douglas as Legal Counsel for the NZ Super Fund.
The fund has committed $100 million to climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives and shifted 40% of its portfolio to Paris Agreement-aligned market indices.
NZ Super is scaling and optimizing the organization as it aims to double in size to $139 billion by 2035, before government withdrawals begin and in the meantime must navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining its long-term investment strategy and balancing active and passive investments.
The In-House Power Lawyers . . Handling Money and Power – Read Here
37. Adrienne Meikle
Adrienne Meikle is a government insider who has the trust of government to hold key roles.
Currently on secondment as Chief Executive of Toitū Te Whenua (Land Information) from her role as Chief Executive of the Commerce Commission, which she has held since May 2018. She has held key positions at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and in in various high-level roles across different ministries, such as the Ministry of Economic Development and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Her diverse experience encompasses areas like tourism, consumer affairs, legal advisory, and parliamentary counsel, showcasing her versatility and expertise in public administration.
38. Emma Priest
Emma Priest he’s established herself as one of the country’s leading criminal lawyers.
With over two decades of experience, she has handled numerous high-profile cases, including serious violence, sexual offenses, and complex drug crimes, as well as actively contributing to legal education, teaching for the NZ Law Society and speaking at various legal events.
Her commitment to penal reform and prisoners’ rights has led her to co-found “The Good Lawyer,” a non-profit initiative providing resources to prisoners. Her unique background in psychology and law allows her to bring a nuanced perspective to criminal cases, making her a key voice in the law reform and criminal law fields.
39 Ian Beaumont
Ian Beaumont is one of the younger dealmakers who have inherited the mantle of the older commercial operators.
A Russell McVeagh Board member and Corporate Advisory Group partner, he specializes in M&A, equity capital markets, joint ventures, and corporate advisory.
With experience in both New Zealand and the United States, Ian has contributed to award-winning transactions.
His expertise spans complex, high-profile deals, demonstrating a track record of success in navigating intricate corporate landscapes and delivering value to clients across diverse sectors.
The Women Criminal Lawyers Redefining Criminal Law
40. Jeremy Johnson
Jeremy Johnson is one of the key additions to the list as a New Zealand lawyer whose rise is characterized by sharp intellect, legal skills and a network professional and business connections.
A go-to lawyer for those seeking advice on private wealth matters along with dispute resolution and litigation he enjoys a reputation as someone who is discrete, mannered and highly capable.
His practice spans commercial, insolvency, relationship property, equity, and trust law, making him a go-to advocate for complex legal matters and he is one of the lawyers most-suggested by the profession as an addition to the Power List.
Colleagues commend his ability to quickly grasp intricate situations and provide commercially sound advice along with his advocacy skills.
He was the youngest Fellow of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand and has received numerous awards, including the Ronald Davison Award for excellence in arbitral award writing. He has been recognized as a leading dispute resolution practitioner in the Chambers Asia Pacific and Chambers Global directories since 2013.
His recent appointment to the Advisory Board of the International Trust Arbitration Organisation (ITAO) testifies to his status as an expert in alternative dispute resolution, placing him among global leaders in trust arbitration.
Beyond his professional achievements, Johnson is also heavily involved in community service. He serves as Chancellor of the Diocese of Waiapu, Fellow of Christ’s College and is Chair of the New Zealand String Quartet Trust.
41. Stacey Shortall
Another LawFuel ‘Lawyer of the Year’ Stacey Shortall retains her influence as a person whose contributions to both her profession and society have been widely acknowledged, earning her numerous accolades including the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), Blake Leader recognition, Women of Influence Award, and Chambers Diversity and Inclusion Award.
The MinterEllisonRuddWatts partner is an expert in litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory matters, achieved over 25 years, as well as representing major financial institutions, corporations, and public sector entities.
Beyond her legal career, Shortall is a philanthropic advocate and social change leader. She founded the Who Did You Help Today Charitable Trust and Our Words Matter – initiatives aimed at creating social impact influence extends to her advocacy for gender diversity in law and criminal justice reform.
43. Jim Farmer KC
If ever a lawyer should be properly described as a ‘legal luminary’ it is Jim Farmer KC. Another LawFuel Power List ‘regular’ his stature remains singularly impressive.
Despite a serious fall in late 2023, the seasoned barrister continues to excel in commercial and public law, with a focus on competition cases.
His career spans over five decades, marked by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in multiple jurisdictions and his pivotal role in landmark trials like the Equiticorp case and many others.
His leadership as a two-term President of the New Zealand Bar Association and his contributions to legal literature underscore his influence.
His recent involvement in high-profile tech, judicial review, and environmental cases demonstrates his relevance and energy. Beyond the courtroom, his passion for sailing and insightful blog posts reveal a multifaceted personality that continues to both impress and inspire.
42. Josh Blackmore
Chapman Tripp partner Josh Blackmore is a new entrant to the Power List and has made himself an invaluable advisor for high-stakes transactions and corporate governance matters.
Blackmore has carved a niche in public sector transactional matters, providing counsel to Treasury, state-owned enterprises, and Crown entities, receiving recognition from industry and professional sources.
His expertise extends to capital raisings, venture capital investments, and green investments including the new Zealand Green Investment Fund.
His recent work includes advising Z Energy through its $2 billion takeover by Ampol, Advising Treasury on Air New Zealand’s NZ$2.2 billion recapitalisation package, Assisting New Zealand Post in acquiring Fliway Group New Zealand and a 50% stake in Supply Chain Solutions and other major deals.
Notably, he has advised the New Zealand Green Investment Fund on its establishment and various investments.
44. Tiana Epati
Tiana Epati became the first Pacific Islander and youngest person to be elected President of the New Zealand Law Society in 2018 and retains a significant influence within the profession.
She was LawFuel’s Lawyer of the Year in 2019.
A background in criminal law has seen her lend her advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and reform within the legal system while she has also been a vocal advocate for addressing bullying and harassment in the profession.
Her leadership has been instrumental in driving discussions on mental health, work-life balance, and ethical practices within the legal profession.
In March she moved with her husband, Matanuku Mahuika to Bankside Chambers.
45. Nigel Hampton KC
Another legend at the bar, Nigel Hampton has a career spanning over 55 years, including over 100 murder trials.
Recently, Hampton resigned from the Criminal Cases Review Commission, citing concerns about the body’s independence and expertise.
He retains the reputation as one of the country’s best defence lawyers, but his expertise extends well beyond criminal law into major inquiries including profile cases such as the Pike River coal mine disaster and the Christchurch mosque shooting.
He has chaired the New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, becoming the first Disciplinary Commissioner of Counsel at the International Criminal Court in 2007, and serving as Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga.
His ongoing advocacy for justice and legal reform continues to shape New Zealand’s legal landscape.
46. Ann Brennan
Chief legal advisor at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Ann Brennan leads a team of 73 members, including 64 lawyers, organized into four specialized teams.
Brennan has also played a crucial role in significant projects such as developing legislation for Outer Space and High-Altitude Activities, supporting earthquake response efforts, and handling major government initiatives
She has transformed MBIE’s legal team into a cutting-edge in-house operation following the merger of various government departments in 2012.
Her accomplishments include implementing time recording and practice management software, developing a legal operating model, and introducing management frameworks to enhance expertise and client relationships. Under Brennan’s leadership, the MBIE legal team has adopted an agile, client-centric approach, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
She actively supports the broader Government Legal Network and New Zealand Law Society.
47. Helen McKay
Helen Mackay helped trailblaze the hybrid law firm in New Zealand, founding Juno Legal in 2017 and changing the profession with a flexible, people-centered approach to providing legal services.
A fourth-generation lawyer with over 20 years of in-house experience, Mackay identified a gap in the market for skilled lawyers seeking work-life balance and businesses needing flexible legal support.
A former CEO of the In-House Lawyers Association of New Zealand, JJuno Legal prioritizes transparency and client relationships.
Mackay’s influence extends beyond her firm as a thought leader she actively advocates for industry-wide cultural change, mentors young lawyers, and contributes to discussions on the future of legal practice.
48. Philip Joseph KC
Philip Austin Joseph KC is a leading expert in public and constitutional law. A professor at the University of Canterbury, Joseph’s academic journey spans decades, culminating in his appointment as King’s Counsel in 2024, a rare honour for academics.
His seminal work, “Joseph on Constitutional and Administrative Law,” is a cornerstone text in New Zealand law.
As a barrister and consultant, he has helped shape legal practice and reform and with a global reputation and a career marked by excellence in scholarship and practice.
49. Julie-Anne Kincade KC
Julie-Anne Kincade KC has built a considerable reputation as a key criminal defense lawyer handling legal aid and other cases as well as playing a key role mentoring and supporting other lawyers in criminal law.
Appointed King’s Counsel in 2019, she has conducted a large number of jury trials as well as being involved in high profile cases, including the Mark Lundy case.
She is Vice-President of the Law Association (ADLS) and leads its Criminal Law Committee as well as working on the Auckland Medico-Legal Society, where she regularly conducts seminars for legal professionals on criminal law practice.
Her profile has been enhanced with media views on issues like the efficacy of the three strikes law, the use of ‘jailhouse snitches’, and the ‘blunt tool’ instrument of altering the right to jury trials to reduce courtroom delays.
50. Anoushka Bloem
Another new entrant to the List, Anousha Bloem has nonetheless been a key participant on the criminal law scene for 20 years.
Apart from her extensive criminal law experience, which includes multiple murder and other serious crime cases, she has established a major criminal law firm with eight criminal law specialists – one of the few such specialist firms in the country.
She also regularly assists others in the professions as well as speaking engagements and talks. She also featured in LawFuel’s ‘6 Influencers in NZ Law’ earlier in 2024.
