The Law Society was shocked and saddened by the passing of a much-loved staff member, Emily McNaughtan. The 28-year-old solicitor passed away on 11 September 2022 as a result of injuries sustained in a mountain bike accident.
While at the Law Society, Emily worked as the Privacy Officer, then moved to a role in the Legal Team where she worked primarily with the practice approval committees.
Emily’s colleagues remember her immense positive energy, and how she approached each interaction with empathy and kindness. Emily always spoke her mind and was prepared to respectfully challenge on issues – the mark of an excellent lawyer.
A fun and sociable colleague, many of Emily’s Law Society peers were proud to say that they’d been biking with her. This was no mean feat as Emily was a highly accomplished athlete. In 2021 she achieved third place at the Taupo Ironman, her first full Ironman as a professional. For the past two seasons she’d been named Tri Wellington’s Female Triathlete of the Year. Emily had also played hockey to a high level and gave back to her sporting community through umpiring hockey for over a decade.
Emily joined the Law Society in 2020 after working at Chapman Tripp where she’d been in the banking and finance team for nearly two years. She had graduated from the University of Otago with a double degree in Law (First Class Honours) and Commerce. Admitted to the bar in 2018, Emily had also been a summer clerk with Buddle Findlay. A born and bred Wellingtonian, Emily attended Wellington Girls’ College.
At the Triathlon World Champs in Nice her advice to another triathlete was simply “don’t slow down”. Her competitive spirit, unceasing energy and mental strength had seen her succeed in many different fields, and her death is a huge loss.
The Law Society extends its sincere condolences to Emily’s family and friends.