Early career lawyers Keegan Jones, Jordan Neville, Riiana Hohaia, Natalie Vaughan and Rishika Sinha took part in a Q&A with LawTalk, offering their experiences so far, the challenges they see and how things may be different in the future.
As the legal profession in Aotearoa New Zealand looks to the future, the perspectives of those entering and building their early careers offer an important glimpse of what lies ahead.
From regional practice to commercial law, public sector work and professional leadership, a new generation of lawyers is helping shape how the profession evolves, bringing fresh ideas about practice, purpose and the role of law in a changing society.
LawTalk spoke with five young lawyers working across different parts of the profession about their experiences so far, what has influenced their paths, and how they see the future of legal practice unfolding.
Commercial lawyer bringing Te Ao Māori perspectives to business law and the profession.
Keegan Jones is a Senior Lawyer in the business team at WRMK Lawyers in Whangārei, advising clients on a range of commercial matters with a practical, client-focused approach. Before joining the firm, he worked as an advisor at Te Puni Kōkiri – the Ministry of Māori Development – bringing a strong understanding of commercial law and Te Ao Māori. His work has been recognised nationally, including being named an NZ Lawyer Rising Star 2024, while he also contributes to the profession through roles with the New Zealand Law Society Auckland Young Lawyers Committee and the Auckland Law Society Branch Council.
How do you think the way you practise law will look different in ten years’ time compared with today?
In ten years, my day should be a lot lighter on admin and heavier on thinking time. AI-enabled tools will take more of the repetitive work, first pass drafting, document management, time capture, matter reporting (many of these already exist, like VXT and Ivo). That frees me up for the parts clients actually value, which I consider is analysis, strategy, negotiation, advocacy, risk allocation and clear, practical advice. The payoff should be faster turnarounds, clearer pricing and better value, less time lost to admin tasks, and more time spent using judgment.
How do you use social media or other digital platforms in a professional context, and how do you navigate the boundaries?
LinkedIn is my professional home base. I use it to show the work I’m doing, break down legal developments in plain English and spotlight the free legal clinics project (a Kaupapa Māori legal clinic platform I started) when they are on. I will often post follow-ups with general resources and lessons learned. I also use Instagram for short explainers and behind the scenes snapshots of our free legal clinics. The rules I follow are to make sure there are no client identifiers, no confidential information and nothing that looks like tailored legal advice. DMs get pointers to public resources or a booking link, not legal opinions. I keep it practical, respectful and useful, because online content sits next to your professional reputation.
What do you see as the most significant challenge facing lawyers of your generation and why will it matter more for us than for those who came before?
The challenge is building a career while the ground is moving. Automation isn’t just making tasks faster; it’s reshaping what clients expect on speed, cost and what should be billed at all. That changes the training path; if entry level work shrinks, you have to be deliberate about developing the skills that don’t automate well — commercial judgment, risk aware drafting, negotiation and client management. Those who lean into the tools and pair them with strong judgment will thrive; resisting the shift won’t stop it.
What’s one “rule” of the legal profession that your generation will quietly retire, and what will replace it?
I consider we will retire the idea that ‘more hours equals more value’ and that doing everything manually is a badge of quality. I consider that clients don’t hire a stopwatch, they hire judgment and outcomes. What replaces it is clearer scoping, better matter project management, sensible use of technology and pricing that matches value with fixed, hybrid or value based where it fits. The new standard is “high quality and efficient,” not “slow and therefore thorough.”
What part of your job should AI or technology not touch, and why?
AI shouldn’t replace the parts of the job that carry professional judgment and accountability. It shouldn’t make the call on strategy, risk or what’s commercially acceptable — those depend on context, client objectives and human dynamics. And it shouldn’t have final signoff on advice or key documents. The lawyer remains responsible for accuracy, privilege and confidentiality, and conflict checks. Let technology help with drafting, research, summaries and quality control and let’s keep the judgment, risk management and ownership of the advice to us humans!
Family and criminal law barrister focused on advocacy and community involvement.
Jordan is an Employed Barrister at Riverlands Chambers in Christchurch, practising primarily in family and criminal law with a strong focus on Family Court advocacy. Admitted to the bar in 2019, he began his career at Saunders & Co Lawyers before moving to the independent bar, where he represents clients across a wide range of family law matters, including care of children, protection orders and Oranga Tamariki proceedings. Jordan is also active in the profession through roles with the Family Law Section, the Canterbury Westland Branch Council of the New Zealand Law Society and the Family Courts Association.
How do you think the way you practise law will look different in ten years’ time compared with today?
My ways of practice have changed over the last seven years, and everyone has their own niche as to how they operate day-to-day. I see myself using new tools for sourcing and processing information, for example legal research AI tools, but I do believe that my method of practice will largely remain the same. I am conscious of having a greater work/life balance which with working in a barrister role provides a level of flexibility.
How do you use social media or other digital platforms in a professional context – whether to build networks, share knowledge, or engage with the public – and how do you navigate the boundaries that come with that?
I do not have a significant presence on social media professionally. I use LinkedIn for sharing of ideas and general conversations, notably about changes in the law. I am mindful of the content that is published and the type of interactions online, but I see it as a good tool for socialising with other lawyers while being mindful of the content that I engage with and what is put online.
What part of your job do you think AI or technology shouldn’t touch, and why?
AI has many useful applications, but I am also conscious about its use. I view that it should not come in the way of a face-to-face connection or having an honest conversation with a client (for example having AI software record a transcript of a meeting). Law is based on regulating human interaction, and AI cannot copy human nature or the ability to build a rapport with a client. My concern is that AI is used in the wrong situation, it could overshadow that ability and damage trust and confidence in the lawyer/client relationship.
What’s one “rule” of the legal profession that you think your generation will quietly retire, and what will replace it?
I believe that for a long time there has been a focus on services being provided based on and measured by time, instead of value. With new tools like AI to allow information to be processed at a much faster pace, I believe that there will be less of a focus on time recording and a greater focus on value for client work.
What do you see as the most significant challenge facing lawyers of your generation – and why do you think it will matter more for us than for those who came before?
The evolving nature of legal tools that we have available at our fingertips comes with new risks and issues that new lawyers will be faced with more than ever. I always come back to using a pen and paper. I think that new lawyers will have a greater array of issues to consider with technology, but also to be educated about the benefits and risks. I view that this will be an important issue for the profession to discuss, especially about the future and best equipping new lawyers
Community lawyer dedicated to supporting Māori whānau and improving access to justice.
Riiana Hohaia (Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu – Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Kura, Ngāti Hao) is a Senior Lawyer at Whare Āwhina Community Law in Northland, where she works closely with Māori whānau, focusing on legal education, advocacy and access to justice. Her career has centred on family law, including previous roles as a Family Barrister at Hibiscus Coast Legal Chambers and a Family Lawyer at Smith and Partners in Henderson. Of Māori and Scottish descent, Riiana is committed to supporting and empowering communities through her legal work.
How do you think the way you practise law will look different in ten years’ time compared with today?
The current system, rooted in 1800s English law, needs to evolve to meet contemporary Aotearoa. In ten years, I believe what is envisioned in the Te Ao Mārama Court will be more fully realised, reflecting a modernised legal system grounded in He Whakaputanga me Te Tiriti o Waitangi, for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Already we are seeing growing momentum for tikanga-led practices to be more widely incorporated in mainstream legal processes, particularly in alternative dispute resolution, family law, and the criminal courts.
How do you use social media or other digital platforms in a professional context – whether to build networks, share knowledge, or engage with the public – and how do you navigate the boundaries that come with that?
Access to justice is key. As a Senior Lawyer at Whare Āwhina Community Law, in Te Pū o te Wheke Te Kaikohekohe, I take great pride in providing whānau with free legal advice, kānohi ki te kānohi. I describe this mahi as wairua work, deeply purpose-driven and grounded in service to my whānau, hapū, and iwi.
Social media allows me to extend that mahi beyond the office, reaching whānau nationwide. It allows me to educate, engage in public discourse, and build greater connection, familiarity and trust across the communities I serve and beyond.
For me, navigating professional boundaries means keeping personalised “legal advice” in my office, while social media is used to share ‘legal information’ education, commentary and insight.
What part of your job do you think AI or technology shouldn’t touch, and why?
I think we will see a growing emphasis on soft skills as the AI tools develop, where things like client care, manaaki and empathy will become increasingly important. The whānau I work with don’t just want outcomes, they want to feel seen, heard and dignified in the process.
What do senior lawyers most misunderstand about how your generation works or thinks?
Personally, I don’t feel misunderstood by more senior lawyers; if anything, I feel inspired by them. They’ve paved the way to get to where we are today.
What’s one ‘rule’ of the legal profession that you think your generation will quietly retire, and what will replace it?
One rule I see fading is the idea that “professionalism” requires conservatism or restraint. What I see replacing it is ethical courage. Increasingly, lawyers are becoming more vocal about justice issues in unconventional forums, such as social media platforms. For many of us Māori practitioners, the law has never been a neutral place, we’re here to help redefine a system that was never designed for us.
In that, we leverage the tools of today for that purpose, and we fight on, “he whawhai tonu mātou, āke, āke, āke.”
Criminal prosecutor committed to public service and the justice system.
Natalie Vaughan is a Junior Crown Prosecutor at Kayes Fletcher Walker in the Office of the Manukau Crown Solicitor, practising primarily in criminal law. Her work includes preparing files for trial, making charging decisions, defending appeals, and appearing regularly in the District and High Courts. She has a strong interest in criminal justice and is passionate about community service, learning and teaching.
How do you think the way you practise law will look different in ten years’ time compared with today?
In many ways, it’s remarkable how little has changed in the nuts and bolts of criminal law over the past few hundred years. That said, there are two projects coming through now which promise to shake things up: Te Ao Mārama in the District Courts (key parts of which include plain language and practical solutions) and the digitisation of the court management system. While both will take time to fully implement, I’m optimistic about the direction: towards a simpler, more modern system with more timely outcomes.
How do you use social media or other digital platforms in a professional context – whether to build networks, share knowledge, or engage with the public – and how do you navigate the boundaries that come with that?
I’ve found LinkedIn can be a helpful tool to stay in touch with people you meet and where their careers have taken them. In particular, I think it’s great for filtering contacts to figure out if you know anyone working in a particular city or workplace. This has helped me reach out to people for my own job hunts, and to help friends with theirs. Other than that, though, I use social media sparingly, and have seen a similar trend among my peers, too. It can certainly be used effectively in a professional context, but you have to be prepared for any future employer to read it.
What part of your job do you think AI or technology shouldn’t touch, and why?
There are many. Criminal law is a particularly human area, and discretion is exercised at all stages: from charging decisions to the granting of bail and sentencing. That discretion provides flexibility, and justice based on personal circumstances. I think the best outcomes are often reached when the decision maker can step outside the pro forma structure to really think about the people affected in a case. While technology can assist with plenty of things, I think the substance of these decisions should always be made by people. If the law exists to reflect what we expect of one another, then people, not AI, should be the ones applying it.
What do you see as a significant challenge facing lawyers of your generation – and why do you think it will matter more for us than for those who came before?
With the boom of AI, a significant challenge for the legal system is authenticity. It is now very easy to have an image, video or piece of writing made for you, just by putting in a prompt. You don’t need any expertise. We’ve seen this play out recently: in Christchurch a remorse letter written by AI was tendered in court – and I expect that will not be the last time. We now have to identify fake material early, while also preventing our cynicism from extending to legitimate evidence. This also applies to legal work itself. There are already reports of non-existent, “hallucinated” cases being cited in court, showing chatbots are being used to draft legal submissions. Separating genuine material from generated content is fast becoming a core legal skill.
Early-career solicitor working across property, commercial and private client law.
Rishika Sinha is a Solicitor at Patient & Williams, admitted to the bar in 2023 after completing degrees in Law and Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. Her practice spans property, commercial and private client work, including residential and commercial transactions, trusts, wills and enduring powers of attorney. She previously gained experience through internships in both New Zealand and Australian law firms and is fluent in Hindi, which she can read, write and speak.
How do you think the way you practise law will look different in ten years’ time compared with today?
I think we will see more of the “admin” work being replaced with AI in the next ten years. This would mean that instead of utilising help from junior staff members for these tasks I would be asking them to allocate their time towards more complex tasks, hence more efficiently utilising the hours of the workday.
How do you use social media or other digital platforms in a professional context – whether to build networks, share knowledge, or engage with the public – and how do you navigate the boundaries that come with that?
I don’t use my personal social media to post about my work. I like to keep my personal and professional lives separate. I do think it’s important to network with other lawyers as a way to share knowledge and experiences. I am currently the deputy convener of the Canterbury New Lawyers Committee. I have seen firsthand how important it is to build these relationships. I mostly use LinkedIn for these purposes. I find it’s casual enough to bring in the engagement and formal enough that the content being shared is kept professional.
What part of your job do you think AI or technology shouldn’t touch, and why?
I recently did a micro credential course called the “Breakthrough Lawyer” by Nick Abrahams at Bond University. One of the main things I learnt was that AI will not replace lawyers, but it will help them be more efficient with their time. I can see the temptation to use AI for a variety of tasks. I have read about some recent cases from overseas jurisdictions where lawyers used AI for court cases but did not double check the cases being cited. The AI they had used made up the cases! I realised that ultimately as lawyers our due diligence cannot wholly be dumped on AI. The buck stops with us to ensure that the final product is something that has been cleared by a human who has double checked every reference.
What do you see as the most significant challenge facing lawyers of your generation – and why do you think it will matter more for us than for those who came before?
Our generation grew up around devices and technology and are at ease with using them. We are sought after for being tech savvy. This comes with an expectation that we will keep up to date with new advancements in legal technology. While the average Gen Z can probably get their head around different technology, legal technology can be a bit challenging for new lawyers. I think it’s to do with how much reliance can be placed on these things. If you are a new lawyer, you would not necessarily have the expertise to differentiate when using AI would not be appropriate such as in cases with privacy concerns.
What’s one ‘rule’ of the legal profession that you think your generation will quietly retire, and what will replace it?
“No coffee no work”. Lawyers using their best friend coffee to get through long hours of work. I think my generation will replace coffee with alternatives like matcha or adaptogens that will reduce jitters and energy crash. Health first!
This Q&A tells shows one thing is very clear: the profession’s future is already taking shape in the thinking and values of the lawyers entering it today. These young lawyers’ answers reflect curiosity about new technology, confidence in doing things differently, and a clear sense that the human elements of law, judgement, integrity and service will remain central, no matter how the tools of practice evolve.
If the profession continues to listen to voices like these, it will not only adapt to change, but it will be strengthened by it. The future of law in Aotearoa New Zealand is being shaped now, and is in thoughtful, capable hands.