The biggest lesson Tom Jemson has learned is to stay adaptable and be ready to take on new challenges
Tom Jemson has had an eventful year. The Chapman Tripp senior associate recently represented the firm as it picked up the win for NZ Deal Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australasian Law Awards, and celebrated his marriage.
Jemson has learned over the course of his career is to be adaptable and ready to tackle new challenges; so, he urges junior lawyers to be curious and enthusiastic as they approach the new and unfamiliar in order to facilitate their personal development.
In this interview, Jemson talks the importance of lawyers supporting one another, why he got into M&A law, and his most anticipated event of the year.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I was drawn to a career in law, particularly in advising on corporate transactions, because it combines the intellectual rigor of legal analysis with practical problem-solving skills. I have to contend with a wide range of complex commercial and legal issues on a day-to-day basis, and trying to solve them in a way that meets clients’ objectives is very stimulating.
The best part of the job for me is the relationships I’ve built along the way, both within my team and with clients. I’ve always thought that M&A lawyers are lucky, in that we are often called upon to assist with transformational and exciting projects for the client, which provides fertile ground to develop strong relationships based on trust and confidence.
How did it feel to be receiving the award for NZ Deal Firm of the Year on Chapman Tripp’s behalf at the Australasian Law Awards?
Attending the Australasian Law Awards this year with my colleagues, Emma Bowman and Guy Houghton-Jones, was a great opportunity to catch-up with some of the Australian firms that we work with regularly. Collecting the NZ Deal Firm award on behalf of Chapman Tripp made the trip that much better! 2022 was a very productive year for our deal team which included a number of market-leading transactions, so it was gratifying to see our efforts recognised with the award.
What tech-related initiatives adopted by the organisation, if any, are you most excited about?
Last year, our Wellington office moved premises and our tech systems were significantly enhanced. The improved systems have greatly facilitated remote collaboration, enabling us to embrace a highly flexible working approach, improving efficiency and accommodating the evolving needs of our clients and team members. We also have a new document management system, which, although not the most glamorous initiative to the outside world, has been an absolute game-changer for productivity.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in the past year and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in the past year (and throughout my career generally) is to make sure you stay adaptable and ready to take on new challenges. When you’re assigned a new project, with an unfamiliar subject area, it can be easy to shy away from the challenge and seek shelter behind others that might be more familiar. But I’ve always found that when I lean into those situations and seek to contribute as much as I can, I get more out of the experience.
My advice to more junior lawyers would be to approach new and unfamiliar projects with curiosity and enthusiasm. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance when needed, and proactively contribute to the best of your abilities. By doing so, you not only enhance your own professional development but also make a meaningful impact on the outcome of the project.
What should the profession focus more on?
I’d like to see a continued focus on supporting and making time for others. I’ve always thought it’s best to be upfront about the fact that being a lawyer can be a challenging and demanding job, which has the potential to creep into your personal life at times. And, in that context, it’s even more important that we look out for one another and provide support where it might be needed.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
On the work front, the next year will be a great chance to continue building momentum in the NZ legal market and to make new connections after a period overseas. I am very grateful for the support I have received from Chapman Tripp over the past 18 months, both in terms of high-quality work assignments and professional development opportunities, and I’m confident that support will continue.
From a personal perspective, I got married earlier this year which has provided an excuse to plan a honeymoon in London and France in September. That trip ranks as my most anticipated event of the year and it will be an excellent opportunity to catch-up with friends in the Northern Hemisphere.
If you were given an opportunity to spend a day with anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?
It would have to be two-time Tour de France winner, Tadej Pogačar. As I find myself inching closer to becoming a middle-aged office athlete, I'm increasingly drawn to the allure of donning Lycra and immersing myself in niche podcasts about road cycling. He would no doubt have some tips to improve my own pedal power.
If Tadej is not available, then Craig McMillian. What a legend.
