The Bankside Chambers barrister will be New Zealand’s 18th solicitor-general
Anna Adams has been named solicitor-general and chief executive of the Crown Law Office.
She will hold the post for five years effective 11 May. Adams succeeds Una Jagose KC, who finished up her 10-year term in the role last month.
The Bankside Chambers barrister and public law expert brings 28 years of advisory work and litigation experience. She chaired the board at Meredith Connell, where she logged a 20-year stint, for four years.
Adams was also the firm’s lead public and health law partner, and served as a Crown prosecutor. She has acted as lead counsel on coronial inquests and major inquiries before the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. Moreover, she has tackled criminal prosecutions and civil cases for public and private sector clients.
Attorney-general Judith Collins, who made the announcement, described Adams as someone who “has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system”. Collins highlighted Adams’ private sector leadership experience, coupled with her legal expertise, as a factor in her suitability for the solicitor-general role.
“She is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law. I am confident she will provide strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and continue the high standards expected of the solicitor-general”, Collins said in a statement.
Adams said she was honoured by the appointment and expressed gratefulness for the government’s confidence.
“Through the solicitor-general role and the teamwork of the Crown Law Office, I intend to deliver the Crown and the people it serves with high-quality legal advice, robust representation in the country’s courts and measurable legal outcomes in the community. This is an exciting and energising opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started”, she said.
Adams will be New Zealand’s 18th solicitor-general. In this capacity, she will be the Crown’s principal legal adviser to the prime minister, the attorney-general and Cabinet.
She is the first Bankside Chambers member to be appointed to the role.
