Associate Kendal Cosgrove is "at her best" when she works with others
Kendal Cosgrove thought she might end up a TV or radio presenter, but she found herself fitting perfectly into a career in law, where she’s able to “enjoy a good debate”.
The Southland-born employment law expert was promoted to associate at Cavell Leitch in June alongside Miranda Norrie after having been with the Christchurch firm since she was admitted to the practice. Cosgrove has appeared before the High Court and the Employment Relations Authority; at present, she is overseeing the Cavell Leitch employment practice.
In this interview, Cosgrove talks being proactive and adaptable as a lawyer, being a mentor to new team members and focusing on her fitness goals.
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What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
Law has always felt like a natural fit for me. I am at my best when working alongside people and my job allows me to do just that. One of my favourite parts of the job is getting to know our clients, their businesses and their people, and guiding them through what can often be difficult and stressful situations – many of which have emotional and commercial interests at stake as well as legal.
Growing up, I thought I might be a TV or radio presenter – some might say both roles enjoy the sound of their own voice and a good debate!
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
To enjoy the push and pull of advocacy work. There is often more than one way to achieve a preferred outcome, being able to change style to meet different demands and fact patterns is important. Be proactive and adaptable, treat clients like people and lean into the relationships you have with others in the profession.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
Backing myself to step up and take on some cool opportunities at Cavell Leitch, including running the employment practice and mentoring some of our new team members. On a more personal note, my skiing has come a long way (notwithstanding a broken wrist last season!) and I have almost hit my goal of 250 gym classes at F45.
What is going on at the organisation? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
There have been some exciting things going on at Cavell Leitch lately, many of which flow on from its rebrand and refresh. The firm is also celebrating its 100 years of business this year.
Something I am particularly proud of is the collaboration between the ‘shadow board’ (group of non-executive employees), the board of directors and general manager. In the last year, we have focused our attention on sustainability and cultural diversity. It has been great to see progress in these areas, including measuring our environmental impact, working towards sustainability certification and encouraging staff to gain confidence in their everyday use of te Reo by offering fortnightly lessons.
My team is also hosting a mock trial early next year which I am really looking forward to getting stuck into.