Jordan is an Employed Barrister with Amy Lake Barrister based at Riverlands Chambers in Christchurch. 

Specialising primarily in family law and in criminal, Jordan is a lead legal aid provider for family and has been in practice since June 2019. Jordan completed his studies at the University of Canterbury in 2018 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy and a minor in Human Services.

Jordan has previously been a member and convenor of the New Lawyers Committee for Canterbury-Westland Branch of the Law Society having departed that role in 2025 and is currently a member of the Branch Council for Canterbury-Westland. Jordan chaired the New Lawyers Conference which took place in Christchurch in 2025, a Conference run over a full day which brought together a range of seminars and speakers aimed specifically at content for new lawyers.

New lawyers will be the makeup of the future of the legal profession. With methods of legal practice evolving at an increasing rate, new lawyers are now faced with challenges and hurdles not previously anticipated. 

With the growing demands that come with legal practice, Jordan believes that there is also a growing emphasis on equipping new lawyers with the tools and guidance on how to practice well, both from an efficiency point of view, but also in terms of their overall well-being. With that in mind, Jordan believes that a collaborative approach with initiatives through the National New Lawyers Group can help with aim across New Zealand.

Hi there! My name’s Georgia, and I’m currently working at Gawith Burridge, Masterton. My legal specialty is Elder Law (Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Right Agreements) in Occupation and Estate Administration Law, and I’ve also been doing some work in Trust Law.

I was born and raised in Auckland and went to the University of Auckland to study Law. I moved to the Wairarapa at the beginning of 2021. It was definitely a bit of a culture shock moving from Auckland to the regions, but I’m slowly starting to put down my own roots here. Outside of work, I’m an avid Rugby League fan and enjoy listening to podcasts, exercising (walking, running, playing squash), baking, and have eaching myself how to crochet.

Making the transition from law school into the workforce was confusing and stressful at times, and if it weren’t for the knowledge passed down by my friends who started working before me, I definitely would not have survived. Couple that with moving out of Auckland, and it felt a lot more stressful.

Out of the National New Lawyers Group, I hope that we can create a space for new lawyers to come to and entering the legal profession, ask whatever questions they have about entering the legal profession, especially those who haven’t worked in a law firm before. I also hope that we can connect new lawyers across New Zealand, especially those living outside of the big cities, to create a sense of unity across the country.

I’m really looking forward to being a part of this group and see what tangible change we can create in the legal profession for new lawyers!

Jay Rajendram LLB (Hons)/BMS

Jay is a solicitor at Harkness Henry Lawyers which is based in Hamilton and Paeroa. He specialises in Resource Management, Employment and Alcohol Licensing Law. He completed his studies at the University of Waikato with a conjoint degree of Bachelor of Law with Honours (First Class) and Bachelor of Management Studies, before being admitted to the profession in March 2020.

One of Jay’s career highlights includes authoring the chapter on the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal in the 2020 book New Zealand Tribunals: Law and Practice.

Jay enjoyed an association with the Waikato New Lawyers (WNL) Group during his time as a law clerk and while studying law at University, before joining the WNL Committee in June this year. In his short time on the WNL Committee and with the assistance of his fellow Committee Members, Jay was able to organise a panel of esteemed judges to speak to members of WNL about their experiences on the Bench.

He also has an ongoing association with the University of Waikato and frequently volunteers to judge negotiation and client interviewing competitions run by the Waikato University Law Students Association. Jay also volunteers as a mentor for the Asian Law Students Association at the University of Waikato.

On hearing about the exciting initiative of the New Zealand Law Society National New Lawyers Group, Jay saw an opportunity to continue his community involvement with a particular focus on promoting connectedness and collaboration between individuals who are relatively new to the profession.

He believes that there is great value to be had in networking and the sharing of experiences between new lawyers, which is perhaps even more crucial in a profession which can be highly competitive and adversarial.

Following some meaningful life experiences, I found myself drawn to the law and to helping people work through difficult or complicated situations. Seeing how much the legal system affects everyday life pushed me to return to study, where I completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts.
 
I began my career with New Zealand’s largest business association, which gave me a real understanding of the challenges people and organisations face across the country. I now work at Duncan Cotterill, where I’m continuing to grow my skills and support clients across a variety of matters. Working in a national firm has reinforced how important it is to approach the law in a way that’s practical, accessible, and genuinely focused on people.
 
Being part of the National New Lawyers Group means a lot to me. I know the early years in the profession can feel overwhelming at times, both personally and professionally, and I really value the support and connection this community offers. I’m a big believer in the idea that we’re better when we look out for one another.
 
For me, creating a profession where people can thrive — one that’s positive, inclusive, and supportive — is essential. I’m committed to playing a part in building that kind of environment and helping others find their way, as we all grow in our careers

I am a property and commercial lawyer for Checketts McKay Law based in their Cromwell office. I grew up in rural Southland, before studying at Otago University and settling into my legal career in Central Otago. Away from work I’m usually somewhere between a football field and a golf course.  

I was eager to join this group to provide representation for regional lawyers. There are a lot of benefits to starting your career in the regions and small centres. There is often exposure to a wide variety of work and good opportunities to become involved in the community and build your career. There is of course a smaller base of professionals and others at the same age and stage to connect with so it’s important the new lawyers group finds ways to build and develop those connections. I look forward to finding ways to promote the regions for young lawyers and to improve the experience of young lawyers throughout New Zealand. 

After completing my LLB/BSc at Victoria University in Wellington, I moved to Tauranga and started practice in a commercial firm working in civil litigation and employment. I then changed fields and I now work in criminal law as a Crown Prosecutor at Pollett Legal. I really enjoy the work I do and I have found criminal law a great field for new lawyers to work in. 

Starting your legal career can be daunting, especially if you choose to work outside of the main centres. I am looking forward to providing support for new lawyers who are working in the regions and who may not have a strong network around them as they start their careers. I was very fortunate to have some great mentors around me when I was starting my career (and I still do!) so I hope this group can help others feel the same way.