The Govett Quilliam partner also believes that the profession is having an identity crisis
As a 2024 Elite Woman, Govett Quilliam partner Lauren Wallace reminds women in law to never underestimate “the power of a strong network of women lifting each other up and challenging the status quo”.
In the second part of this interview, she tells NZ Lawyer about why she thinks the legal profession is “in the throes of an identity crisis”, and wanting to relive the day she cut short a very important call.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have had great mentors — both men and women — who have guided and supported me throughout my career. Their belief in me, their willingness to share their knowledge, and their encouragement have been instrumental in shaping who I am as a lawyer and a person. No one succeeds alone, and I firmly believe that fostering an environment of collaboration and support is essential for lawyers to thrive.
Other key lessons I’ve learned include:
To women in law, my advice is this: Own your space — you’ve earned it. Ask for what you deserve, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and never underestimate the power of a strong network of women lifting each other up and challenging the status quo.
Lawyers around the world are grappling with similar challenges: the need for greater diversity and inclusion, access to justice, mental health issues and burnout, and the increasingly demanding and evolving nature of legal work in a digital age.
While progress has been made, there’s still work to do to ensure our legal workplaces provide equal opportunities for underrepresented groups, especially in leadership roles. Although, I am very proud of the fact that the partnership at Govett Quilliam has equal gender representation.
Technological advancements are and will continue to disrupt traditional legal roles. This, combined with economic volatility, increasing operational costs and ongoing demands for more efficient services presents an exciting challenge to the legal industry to adapt, innovate, and find new ways to deliver value. My sense is that alternative billing models will become the norm, rather than the exception in the not-too-distant future.
In terms of what is particularly pressing, I think the legal profession is in the throes of an identity crisis. The traditional allure and prestige of becoming a lawyer is being questioned by a new generation with different values. Gruelling hours, high stress, and insufficient supervision and support are not on anybody’s career wish list. To stay relevant and appealing, the profession needs to reinvent itself — embracing flexibility, prioritising mental wellbeing, and creating an environment that values sustainable progression over relentless grind. It is simply not OK that young lawyers who only are 2 or 3 years into their career are dropping out because of burn-out and job dissatisfaction and never wanting to return to the law.
On the work front, in January our leadership team refreshed our firm’s strategic business plan and our whole firm transitioned across to a new practice management system. I’m looking forward to working with my partners and team to implement and deliver on these. I’m also involved in some pretty exciting and innovative projects, which I’m looking forward to working with clients on.
On a personal level, I have some fun trips and adventures planned with friends and family.
My beloved Dad died suddenly and unexpectedly when he was 54. He rang me the night before he died and wanted to tell me all about his recent trip to South Africa. Unfortunately, I was running out the door at the time to meet some friends, so I promised him I’d ring him back the next day. I never got to make that call. If I could relive one day, it would be the day he called me, and I would sit and listen to my Dad’s stories for as long as the universe allowed.
So, if you've been meaning to reach out to a friend or family member, let this be a gentle reminder to make that call and prioritise your loved ones. Life is short and every day counts.
