Sponsors share their favourite things about the night
It has been a week since the NZ Law Awards crowned the cream of the crop in the legal profession for 2024.
At a glamorous gala held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland on 28 November, 24 winners were announced throughout the evening. And win or lose, those in attendance enjoyed a fun time of laughter and camaraderie.
“I really enjoyed the incredible vibe and sense of camaraderie in the room. It was inspiring to see so many talented individuals coming together to celebrate excellence and innovation in the legal profession”, Jackie Edhouse, taxation services director for award sponsor Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, told NZ Lawyer.
Event host Urzila Carlson was a highlight of the night for many attendees.
“Urzila did an excellent job as the MC—she really helped the event flow seamlessly. And once again, the venue was fantastic. I’m definitely looking forward to next year’s event!” said Peter Clark, managing director for award sponsor Fluid Legal Recruitment.
Rosamund More, senior manager - Auckland Legal for award sponsor Robert Walters, echoed Clark’s sentiment, noting that Carlson “really made the night this year” and “made it a lot more lively and enjoyable”.
General manager of operations – LEAP NZ Alana Ashe, who represented event partner LEAP Legal Software, singled out a fun activity led by the comedian.
“My personal favourite part of the awards night was the heads and tails game run by Urzila Carlson. Not only was it incredibly fun to play, but it was also heartwarming to see the camaraderie among the remaining players as the numbers dwindled, who clearly knew each other from within the industry”, Ashe told NZ Lawyer. “This is a testament to the strong relationships forged within the New Zealand legal community”.
Gus Hazel, partner at award sponsor James & Wells, got to enjoy “excellent singing” from colleague and fellow partner Jason Rogers. Hazel also gave a shout-out to tablemate Georgina Sanders of Mainfreight, who wound up with the trophy for Young In-house Lawyer of the Year.
Sam Lindsay, director and search partner at award sponsor Chisholm Clarke, cited presenting awards alongside fellow director and search partner Sarah Wilson as his favourite part of the night, along with “hanging out with people we have worked with over the past year”.
Lewis O’Callaghan, relationship account manager at award sponsor LexisNexis, had the same idea as he celebrated the coming together of the members of the profession for the big night.
“My personal favourite part of the awards night was the opportunity to speak and network with so many talented professionals from across the legal sector. The atmosphere was relaxed, it was inspiring to see the recognition of hard work and innovation in our field. offering valuable insights into the future of legal practice and shining a light on the luminaries that made 2024 a particularly special year”, he said.
The full list of 2024 NZ Law Awards winners can be found here.
