Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
Since joining Denham Bramwell in November 2021, Devika Kumar has transformed the firm’s trajectory with her authentic and visionary leadership. Stepping in during a difficult time following a partner’s terminal illness diagnosis, she showed exceptional empathy and resilience, steering the team towards renewed strength and success.
With a wealth of experience in law firm leadership, Kumar brings a well-rounded expertise spanning people and culture, finance, strategic planning, business development, IT and project management. Her close collaboration with Denham Bramwell’s seven partners has been instrumental in driving commercial growth and shaping the firm’s strategic vision.
Kumar is deeply passionate about the evolving legal landscape and excels in leading and managing change. Over the past three years, she has nurtured and empowered a diverse team, creating an environment where individuals feel supported and inspired to thrive. Her commitment to inclusivity and collaboration has fostered a vibrant workplace that reflects the firm’s dedication to excellence.
Kumar’s leadership combines strategic foresight with genuine care, ensuring the firm’s people and business grow together. Under her guidance, Denham Bramwell has become a more dynamic and resilient organisation, well-prepared to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing legal industry.
Level 4, Denham Bramwell Building, 3 Osterley Way, Manukau City Centre, Auckland
09 985 6900
devika.kumar@denhambramwell.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/devika-kumar-mba
denhambramwell.co.nz
Devika Kumar
General Manager
Denham Bramwell Lawyers
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Milestones
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2000–2020
2019–2021
2021–present
2019–2021
2021–present
2000–2019: Law Firm Practice Manager at Fleming Foster Solicitors
2004–2007: MBA at Southern Cross University
2015–2020: ALPMA Summit Committee Member (NZ Member Representative) and ALPMA NZ Committee Member
2000–
2020
Law Firm General Manager at McVeagh Fleming
2019–
2021
General Manager at Denham Bramwell
Member of ALPMA and joint Partnership Manager for ALPMA NZ Committee
2021–
present
Partner and Head of the Employment Law Team at Morrison Kent
2019–
2021
Director and Principal Lawyer at Black Door Law
2021–
present
Milestones
Milestones
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“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.