This programme was developed in partnership with alumnus Michael Gartshore, a corporate/commercial partner at Webb Henderson.

More photos from the past events.

The purpose of the programme is to allow you to explore the legal profession through conversations with a variety of industry professionals and gain experience interacting with lawyers. It is open to all Law students but particularly those who have had limited or no interaction with lawyers or law firms. Although it is possible, the focus of the programme is not to provide ongoing work experiences or opportunities and students should not expect that participation in the programme will result in work with the lawyers they are matched with.

This programme is targeted at penultimate and final year Law students and would benefit students who have not had exposure to lawyers and are interested in learning more about the professional and commercial world. Our hopes are to demystify lawyers and law firms.

If you are selected for this programme, we will match you with three professionals who have law degrees. You will meet them individually for a coffee and a tour of their workplaces at a time that suits you both. This is your chance to ask them questions and learn from what they have achieved in their careers.

The professionals that you will meet have varied backgrounds. This includes those working for law firms (private practice), as lawyers for companies (in-house or in careers outside of the law (for example, in an accounting firm or investment bank); and specialise in different commercial areas including corporate, employment, finance, tax, property and commercial litigation. (Please note these professionals do not specialise in criminal law or other personal areas such as human rights, immigration, or family law.)

The programme concludes with a final networking event.

The Coffee Mates Programme runs during semester 2.

• “Definitely a highlight of my law school experience! Really grateful for the opportunity. I learnt so much and it helped improve my confidence! Thank you!”
• “It was really helpful to hear about the different pathways that people took to end up in their current roles. It was also helpful hearing from people whose law degrees took them in different directions. All three of my coffee mates offered to meet with me again in the future and that I could come to them if I have any questions about the legal profession.”
   

Michelle Hoon
Career Development Adviser
Email: michelle.hoon@auckland.ac.nz

Kylie Chye
Career Development & Employer Engagement Manager
Email: kylie.chye@auckland.ac.nz