2017 Hot List Recipient
2020 Hot List Recipient
2021 CEO of the Year
Accolades
Media
Milestones
2001
2011
2015
2017
2021
Begins working with the Waitangi Tribunal, where she remains until 2004.
2001
Becomes co-founding chair of the Auckland Community Law Centre.
2011
Co-founding chair of Women in Restructuring and Insolvency.
2015
Recognised as Emerging Leader at the Women on Boards Awards.
2017
Joins the board of the New Zealand Law Society as Vice President (Auckland).
2020
Elected the 32nd president of the New Zealand Law Society.
2021
Representation on the rise
Jacque Lethbridge has been making history throughout her career. The litigation star battled through a difficult background to achieve her childhood dream of entering the legal profession, and despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with work, she racked up first after first in law firms as a private practitioner, becoming an example of what a woman and working parent can achieve in the field of law.
Ultimately, Lethbridge’s objective has been to enact wide-reaching change across New Zealand’s legal profession, and with her election as the 32nd president of the New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa, she is getting the opportunity to do just that. She takes the reins this month with a game plan centred on three key areas of focus: regulation, relevance and recognition.
This translates to making sure that the recently commissioned Independent Review of the Law Society’s structure is conducted in a timely manner and meaningful consultation is sought across the
industry, Lethbridge says. The review continues a process that began in the past three years, and seeks to determine best governance practices as well as examine the organisation’s role as a representative body.
Lethbridge’s leadership plan also includes maintaining engagement with members, collaborating with various member groups and promoting the Law Society’s “active voice in shaping law”. To this end, she points to the contributions of the organisation in the drafting and implementation of new legislation in New Zealand, notably as COVID-19 drove the development of many new bills to handle unprecedented issues.
“A little-known aspect of the Law Society’s role is that we must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law,” Lethbridge explains. “Seen together, these are vital mainstays of a liberal democracy. How we do this is not always
popular – but it’s always necessary.”
In the present environment of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic and international tensions, improving access to justice by bolstering legal aid is another crucial focal point for Lethbridge. She notes that COVID-19 has actually contributed to this initiative by facilitating a stronger link between the Law Society and its stakeholders throughout the justice sector.
“These relationships can now be galvanised and consolidated. I plan to build on new connections with the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice, advocating for swifter resolution of delays in access to justice,” she says.
COVID-19 also spurred the swift adaptation of the legal profession to working arrangements that could help break the glass ceiling for women looking to enter the industry. Lethbridge believes that the adoption of technology at all levels and in the courts has been the pandemic’s greatest gift to the profession.
“The profession pivoted and innovated, with lasting impact. Suddenly, working from home is not something few do on ‘flexible arrangements’ but a method of hybrid working. As a working parent, I hope this can help address barriers facing women in the law, so they can have children and still grow careers,” Lethbridge says.
The need to support lawyers is something the new Law Society President is concentrating on as well, given that many practitioners operated on little rest at the height of COVID-19 and were burdened with burnout in the process.
“I have concerns for the wellbeing of a weary profession and will focus on support for them, better enabling them to address heavy backlogs,” Lethbridge says.
While on her campaign for the role of Law Society President, Lethbridge saw the desire of lawyers for connection, unity of purpose and enjoyment of what they do. Thus, she considers the Law Society’s connection to groups like New Zealand Asian Lawyers, the Pacific Lawyers Association and Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa to be critical. As she steps up to the helm of the Law Society, she does so in an increasingly diverse population of lawyers.
Young practitioners are coming in from Asian, Pasifika and Māori backgrounds with “their own energetic voice” to urge change in the status quo, she points out. A total of 9.9% of new lawyers identify as Māori, while 10% of practitioners identify as Asian.
“The ethnic face of the legal profession is changing. Different ethnicities also have specialised representation. The proportion of lawyers is moving closer to the percentage of Aotearoa’s population [the profession] seeks to serve,” Lethbridge says.
Nonetheless, while she believes that “the dial is shifting to a more diverse profession”, she still sees gaps in representation when it comes to leadership.
“We cannot ignore issues regarding insufficient females and lawyers from diverse backgrounds attaining partnership or senior ranks of the bar,” she points out. “There is a great deal of work still to be done.”
The influx of young lawyers joining the profession has been a big driver of progress. As of last month, 23% of New Zealand’s lawyers have been identified as having less than five years’ PQE. Women also comprise 65% of lawyers with five years’ PQE or less, up from 62% in 2015. To further encourage young people to go into the law, Lethbridge aims to address the pipeline concerns in high schools, extending the Law Society’s reach to universities and schools.
Nonetheless, Lethbridge acknowledges that “the trend line is there” when it comes to diversity and representation in the profession, and that her responsibility is to “help it along”. The initiatives of the Law Society are “beacons of freedom sitting in the background of New Zealand’s social fabric”, she says.
“They help ensure the will of New Zealanders is always to the fore in politics and administration."
Spotlight
The New Zealand Law Society I Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is the national independent, regulatory and professional membership body for lawyers in New Zealand. The Law Society plays an important role in upholding the law and administration of justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. It gives voice to the legal profession, serves as kaitiaki (guardians) of the rule of law, and protects the public good by regulating lawyers and leading excellence in the profession.
Company Profile
13
Number of Law Society branches in New Zealand
700
Number of volunteer lawyers operating committees
17
Number of law reform committees
22
Number of regulatory standards committees
1,280+
Number of complaints closed per year
Bio
Spotlight
Milestones
Media
Accolades
Company Profile
Years in the
industry
21
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
FAVOURITE QUOTE
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Jacque Lethbridge
President of the New Zealand Law Society
Incumbent New Zealand Law Society president Jacque Lethbridge talks to NZ Lawyer about the energetic voice of young lawyers and the changing ethnic face of law
Read on
“We must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
“The ethnic face of the legal profession is changing. Different ethnicities also have specialised representation. The proportion of lawyers is moving closer to the percentage of Aotearoa’s population [the profession] seeks to serve”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
Share
2017 Hot List Recipient
2020 Hot List Recipient
2021 CEO of the Year
Accolades
Media
Milestones
2011
2012
2015
2016
2019
2021
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2012
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2015
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2016
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2019
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2021
Representation on the rise
Karen Adams has had a remarkable journey to her current role as CEO of Fundserv. Originally from Toronto, Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics at Queens University, followed by an MBA in international finance at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she set off across the globe, holding various positions with HSBC that took her to London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Mumbai.
That global experience gave Adams a unique perspective, prompting her to develop a leadership style that’s based on developing relationships with each individual, listening and understanding to help them reach their potential. That approach goes well beyond her own team, allowing Fundserv to succeed in creating solutions for its members.
“Having worked in many different countries, people ask if I am an expert in multicultural leadership,” Adams says. “I always say there is no such thing because that assumes you manage people based on their background. I have learned that people all want the same things: to develop our careers, give our kids a good future, etc. When she returned to Canada learned that people all
From those forums, a common theme arose that has plagued the industry for years: the amount of paper required in transactions.
“We have a motto to ‘axe the fax,’ and we saw this opportunity where members didn’t want their staff going into the office, but there are still physical cheques going back and forth,” Adams explains. “We put in place, in just six months, Ad-Hoc Money Movement [A$M]. We responded to the industry and are in the process of replacing cheques, which I think is awesome. We launched in January and have seen so much volume. We think ultimately we are keeping people healthier by not having to travel into the office.”
Spotlight
Fundserv is the indispensable connectivity hub for the Canadian investment industry. Headquartered in Toronto, we electronically connect Manufacturers, Distributors, and Intermediaries, enabling them to buy, sell, and transfer investment funds. With more than 100 employees, Fundserv serves hundreds of members—executing up to 63 million yearly network transactions—and provides online access to more than 70,000 investment fund products.
Established in 1993, Fundserv is a private corporation that is owned by the industry we serve. Our 10 shareholders are a cross-section of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Service Providers who represent our members.
We operate using a cost-recovery model, meaning any unused profit may be rebated back to our members. In addition to our network and applications, we lead and facilitate industry committees and working groups that promote automation initiatives and establish the industry’s electronic standards.
By ensuring every trade is processed timely, accurately, and securely, Fundserv has rightfully earned a reputation for service excellence—a hallmark of more than 25 years in the investment industry.
Company Profile
1983
Number of Law Society branches in New Zealand
700
Number of volunteer lawyers operating committees
43%
PROPORTION OF WOMEN AMONG FUNDSERV EMPLOYEES
22
PROPORTION OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
63,514,128
NUMBER OF ORDERS PROCESSED IN 2019
“We must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
“The ethnic face of the legal profession is changing. Different ethnicities also have specialised representation. The proportion of lawyers is moving closer to the percentage of Aotearoa’s population [the profession] seeks to serve”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
Years IN THE INDUSTRY
21
FAVOURITE QUOTE
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Fact
First female Partner in two law firms
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
Share
Share
2017 Hot List Recipient
2020 Hot List Recipient
2021 CEO of the Year
Accolades
Media
Milestones
2011
2012
2015
2016
2019
2021
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2012
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2015
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2016
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2019
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2021
Representation on the rise
Karen Adams has had a remarkable journey to her current role as CEO of Fundserv. Originally from Toronto, Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics at Queens University, followed by an MBA in international finance at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she set off across the globe, holding various positions with HSBC that took her to London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Mumbai.
That global experience gave Adams a unique perspective, prompting her to develop a leadership style that’s based on developing relationships with each individual, listening and understanding to help them reach their potential. That approach goes well beyond her own team, allowing Fundserv to succeed in creating solutions for its members.
“Having worked in many different countries, people ask if I am an expert in multicultural leadership,” Adams says. “I always say there is no such thing because that assumes you manage people based on their background. I have learned that people all want the same things: to develop our careers, give our kids a good future, etc. When she returned to Canada learned that people all
Lethbridge’s leadership plan also includes maintaining engagement with members, collaborating with various member groups and promoting the Law Society’s “active voice in shaping law”. To this end, she points to the contributions of the organisation in the drafting and implementation of new legislation in New Zealand, notably as COVID-19 drove the development of many new bills to handle unprecedented issues.
“A little-known aspect of the Law Society’s role is that we must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law,” Lethbridge explains. “Seen together, these are vital mainstays of a liberal democracy. How we do this is not always popular – but it’s always necessary.”
In the present environment of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic and international tensions, improving access to justice by bolstering legal aid is another crucial focal point for Lethbridge. She notes that COVID-19 has actually contributed to this initiative by facilitating a stronger link between the Law Society and its stakeholders throughout the justice sector.
“These relationships can now be galvanised and consolidated. I plan to build on new connections with th e Judiciary and Ministry of Justice, advocating for swifter resolution of delays in access to justice,” she says.
COVID-19 also spurred the swift adaptation of the legal profession to working arrangements that could help break the glass ceiling for women looking to enter the industry. Lethbridge believes that the adoption of technology at all levels and in the courts has been the pandemic’s greatest gift to the profession.
“The profession pivoted and innovated, with lasting impact. Suddenly, working from home is not something few do on ‘flexible arrangements’ but a method of hybrid working. As a working parent, I hope this can help address barriers facing women in the law, so they can have children and still grow careers,” Lethbridge says.
While she’s proud of the strides Fundserv made in 2020, Adams acknowledges that it was a challenging time as a leader. Not only did she have to ensure Fundserv kept running efficiently as her team transitioned to working from home, but she was also filled with concern for her team members.
“I just worried about our employees, their mental health and if they would be OK,” Adams says. “I like to see people, so I set up one-on-ones just to connect with them.
Moving forward, Adams says Fundserv’s goals remain aligned with those of its members, and her team will continue listening and understanding what members need so the organization can evolve accordingly. She adds that she wants Fundserv to be so good at providing a secure and reliable service that members forget it’s there – and she wants the company to continue to inspire change in the industry.
“It is sad that it took a pandemic to recog-nize the cheque issue and solve it,” Adams says. “What we will do in the future is root out those things in the industry and not wait for a pandemic to ignite change. There is no reason we can’t change. Change, like auto-mation, will accelerate from now, and we’ll do our part to keep it going.”
Spotlight
Fundserv is the indispensable connectivity hub for the Canadian investment industry. Headquartered in Toronto, we electronically connect Manufacturers, Distributors, and Intermediaries, enabling them to buy, sell, and transfer investment funds. With more than 100 employees, Fundserv serves hundreds of members—executing up to 63 million yearly network transactions—and provides online access to more than 70,000 investment fund products.
Established in 1993, Fundserv is a private corporation that is owned by the industry we serve. Our 10 shareholders are a cross-section of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Service Providers who represent our members.
We operate using a cost-recovery model, meaning any unused profit may be rebated back to our members. In addition to our network and applications, we lead and facilitate industry committees and working groups that promote automation initiatives and establish the industry’s electronic standards.
By ensuring every trade is processed timely, accurately, and securely, Fundserv has rightfully earned a reputation for service excellence—a hallmark of more than 25 years in the investment industry.
Company Profile
Years of Experience
21
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Fact
First female Partner in two law firms
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Career highlight
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
“We must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
“The ethnic face of the legal profession is changing. Different ethnicities also have specialised representation. The proportion of lawyers is moving closer to the percentage of Aotearoa’s population [the profession] seeks to serve”
Jacque Lethbridge,
New Zealand Law Society
IN Partnership with
In Partnership with
In Partnership with
Companies
About us
Authors
Policy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
External contributors
Copyright © 2022 Key Media
Contact us
Companies
About us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
Authors
External contributors
Copyright © 2022 Key Media
Contact us
Companies
About us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
Authors
External contributors
Copyright © 2022 Key Media
Contact us
fast fact
First female Partner in two law firms
2020
Lethbridge’s leadership plan also includes maintaining engagement with members, collaborating with various member groups and promoting the Law Society’s “active voice in shaping law”. To this end, she points to the contributions of the organisation in the drafting and implementation of new legislation in New Zealand, notably as COVID-19 drove the development of many new bills to handle unprecedented issues.
“A little-known aspect of the Law Society’s role is that we must serve the people of Aotearoa New Zealand by regulating the profession and delivering New Zealanders excellent lawyers. We must also be a strong and independent voice for the rule of law,” Lethbridge explains. “Seen together, these are vital mainstays of a liberal democracy. How we do this is not always popular – but it’s always necessary.”
In the present environment of uncertainty as a result of the pandemic and international tensions, improving access to justice by bolstering legal aid is another crucial focal point for Lethbridge. She notes that COVID-19 has actually contributed to this initiative by facilitating a stronger link between the Law Society and its stakeholders throughout the justice sector.
“These relationships can now be galvanised and consolidated. I plan to build on new connections with the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice, advocating for swifter resolution of delays in access to justice,” she says.
COVID-19 also spurred the swift adaptation of the legal profession to working arrangements that could help break the glass ceiling for women looking to enter the industry. Lethbridge believes that the adoption of technology at all levels and in the courts has been the pandemic’s greatest gift to the profession.
“The profession pivoted and innovated, with lasting impact. Suddenly, working from home is not something few do on ‘flexible arrangements’ but a method of hybrid working. As a working parent, I hope this can help address barriers facing women in the law, so they can have children and still grow careers,” Lethbridge says.
News
Practice Areas
Surveys & Reports
Events
Best In Law
Resources
Subscribe
AU
NZ
News
Practice Areas
Surveys & Reports
Events
Best in Law
Resources
Subscribe
AU
NZ
News
Practice Areas
Surveys & Reports
Events
Best in Law
Resources
Subscribe
AU
NZ