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.

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. 

Olivia was admitted in 2022 and works for Galloway Cook Allan as a Senior Solicitor in the Commercial Team, specialising in corporate and commercial law. Olivia has strong connections to Otago and the local Dunedin community and is an active contributor by being on the New Zealand Law Society Otago Branch Council, a committee member for the Otago Women law Society, the New Practitioners representative and on the Otago Racing Club board. 

Ashley started her legal career in family law before joining Moore Law in Whanganui and is gaining experience across a broad range of legal matters. Since being admitted in 2025, Ashley is committed to be connected to the local community and is a member of the Whanganui Branch Council.  Ashley recognises starting out in the profession can feel overwhelming at times, particularly without an established network and is passionate about supporting new lawyers and contributing to a profession that values guidance, connection, and practical support, particularly in the early years of practice. 

Lily Campbell was admitted in June 2025 and is a family lawyer based in Nelson, currently practising at Glasgow Harley Lawyers working predominantly within the legal aid space.  Lily was actively involved in the University of Canterbury Law Students Society, gaining practical experience working within a representative body and contributing to initiatives that support law students. After returning home to Nelson and recognising the need for an early career support network, Lily was involved in the relaunch of the Nelson Young Lawyers Group and is currently the groups convener. Lily would value the opportunity to contribute a strong regional perspective, advocate for meaningful support and professional development for early career practitioners and work collaboratively with others to influence positive change for new lawyers. 

Andrea offers and In- House Lawyer perspective to the group as well as commercial and financial experience and a keen interest in technology.   Andrea was admitted in 2023 and has recently joined 2 Degrees as Corporate Counsel.  Prior to 2 Degrees Andrea gained financial experience at Genesis, before joining Davenport Law.  Andrea is also a member of the Auckland New Lawyers Committee and actively contributes to initiatives which support lawyers.  Her knowledge and experience, combined with a curious approach and positive nature will be of value to the group. Andrea showed great commitment by convincing 2 Degrees to reconsider and pay for membership in order to be eligible to join NNLG and support involvement.  

Nikita has established a strong network of new lawyers in Wellington, where she is currently practising after initially gaining intern and solicitor experience in Nelson. She is a member of the Wellington Young Lawyers group and is passionate about making the profession more accessible. Nikita was admitted in 2022 and currently works at Ford Sumner Lawyers.