The
NZ Lawyer print magazine’s
Hot 40 list features some of the country’s top legal professionals – and we’ll be talking to each one of them over the coming weeks. Below, we catch up with Minter Ellison Rudd Watts chair and
Hot 40 candidate,
Cathy Quinn to discuss the M&A market and pro-bono involvement.
“The M&A market is really picking up again,” says Quinn. “It’s as busy as it has been for years. We are seeing significant interest in New Zealand assets from Chinese investors. Chinese investors and their advisers have a different framework to work from when approaching transactions in our part of the world. Those differences can create tensions and misunderstandings on both sides. Having practical experience of successfully working through these issues is invaluable, as is having access to a network in China to help guide people through the Chinese regulatory framework in particular.”
Quinn, who, aside from acting as a leading corporate/commercial lawyer also contributes her time as a member of the Executive Board of the NZ China Council, has two sons aged 14 and 12.
“My time outside work is spent supporting them with my husband in their various sporting and other activities.”
Now in her 29th year of legal practice, Quinn says she hopes she’s developed a healthy set of relationships with competitors.
“Our market is a small one –the ability to have a laugh along the way is one I continue to appreciate. We spend so much time working (either in the office or connected through emails and calls) that it’s important to enjoy what you do. I still feel passionate about my job and helping our clients get a good deal done. I enjoy working with my colleagues, clients and other advisers. Work is such an important part of my life that I do make an effort to make it an enjoyable experience!”
Keep an eye out for Cathy Quinn and the other 39 members of the
Hot 40 list in the upcoming
NZ Lawyer print edition, due to hit desks early next week.
