Where do you work now?

I am a Solicitor in our Christchurch Corporate Advisory team and am moving to Auckland to join the Litigation team in March 2023.

What career steps have you taken to get to this point?

I completed a short summer clerkship at another law firm in Christchurch in my third year of university, before joining Anthony Harper’s summer law programme the following year. I started in my graduate role with Anthony Harper in February 2022, and have completed two six month rotations, the first Litigation and the second in Corporate Advisory. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with teams outside of those practice areas as well.

I enjoyed both of my rotations and have learned the value of gaining as much exposure to different practice areas as possible when first joining the legal profession. Ultimately, the joys of Litigation have caught my interest, and being keen for a change up, Anthony Harper have been supportive of me in my move to the Auckland office.

What kind of work have you been involved with at Anthony Harper?

All sorts! I’ve attended client meetings, drafted pleadings, letters of advice, affidavits, completed discoveries, assisted in contract drafting, preparation, and review, and attended a full day mediation to name a few.

I have been very grateful for the variety of work I’ve been exposed to in my graduate year, as it not only allows you to gain experience in those areas, but also helps you decide what type of lawyer you want to be.

What are the social opportunities like at Anthony Harper?

The social aspect of AH is one of the best and more unique sides of the firm. In my graduate year we’ve had lawn bowls, a quiz night, and mid-winter and Christmas parties. Enjoying who you work with is crucial to finding your feet in a new job, and the team at Anthony Harper are welcoming, supportive and inclusive. I’ve made genuine friends and connections during my time at AH.

About the firm

Anthony Harper is one of New Zealand’s longest established and most respected national law firms with offices in Tāmaki Makaurau and Ōtautahi.

Our lawyers are true specialists, bringing years of experience and deep expertise to everything they touch. You’ll find us highly ranked in respected international law directories, and our name behind some of the most complex corporate and commercial cases and transactions of the day.

We are proud of our history that stretches back over 150 years. We recognise that sustainability is an inherent part of continuing our legacy of stewardship so in 2022, we introduced our Sustainability Framework. We have identified seven areas of impact to challenge us to be forward-thinking in the ways we engage with our clients, our communities, our people, and our planet.

These seven impacts are: health and wellbeing, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, our community, our business, carbon emissions and energy, and materials management.

The opportunity

We know there is a big difference between studying and practising law. That’s why our summer law programme is designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to work as a lawyer. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate through and fully immerse yourself in our internationally recognised practice areas, providing the chance to do real work with real clients from the get go.

We are committed to providing you with a unique developmental experience, arming you with all of the tools you need to build a solid foundation for your legal career, while having fun with a great bunch of people. Our programme is 12 weeks and runs from mid-November to mid-February each year. We have a closedown period over Christmas/New Year, and you will be paid throughout this. The closedown period gives you an opportunity to relax and refresh for the new year ahead alongside our people.

While we are seeking applications from students in their penultimate year of study, we welcome applications from any level.

Build your career with Anthony Harper

Applications for our summer law programme open early March and you can apply online here. You will need to provide:

• Your CV
• A cover letter
• A copy of your academic transcript

As part of our recruitment process, you will have the opportunity to connect with and get to know us, as well as giving us a chance to get to know you. You can also come and say hello at the career expos!

Contact: Lou Girdlestone, Talent Advisor, People and Culture, HR@ah.co.nz