The partner also discusses her involvement in the Make It 16 appeal before the Supreme Court
On 23 June 2010, Emma Moran watched the sun set over England’s Worthy Farm as Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, her “all-time favourite musicians”, wowed at the first day of Glastonbury 2010 with a secret set. That’s the day Moran says she would relive if she could, but the DLA Piper partner has so many more memorable moments in her illustrious career, including being among the finalists for the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ’s Inclusive Leader of the Year Award.
In the first part of this interview, Moran talks to NZ Lawyer about her early diplomatic ambitions, where she got her first real taste for litigation, and appearing before the Supreme Court while COVID-stricken.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
Fresh out of Tauranga Girls’ High School, I had diplomatic ambitions and saw a law degree as a practical gateway. Law school quickly humbled me but also triggered my intense stubborn streak. I became determined to try and prove myself in legal practice. I started in house at the Ministry of Social Development which was formative, allowing me to experience multiple areas of law, grounded in real world impact. It was there I got my first proper taste for litigation and I was hooked.
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
It’s hard to single out just one moment, but if pressed, it would be appearing in the Supreme Court for the Make It 16 appeal which was the culmination of years of work on an issue of real constitutional and social importance. Adding to the drama, I had COVID at the time, so I appeared from home, doing my best to hold it together while my husband ran interference on our dogs’ determined attempts to burst in mid-submission.
What in your opinion was the most important thing you got involved in over the past year?
I pinch myself sometimes because I am getting to work with the best people, for the best clients, doing the type of work I always hoped to. Late last year, I looked around our pod as my whole team worked flat out on submissions in matters of high significance, briefing leading King’s Counsel. It was one of those moments that made me pause, not just because of the calibre of the work and clients, but because of the people doing it. Being able to contribute to work that matters, alongside lawyers I deeply respect, has been humbling and enormously rewarding.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
I should probably say something career defining, but honestly? Day one of Glastonbury 2010. Fresh off the plane with just my gumboots and a dream, I watched my all-time favourite musicians Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood play a secret set as the sun set over Worthy Farm. It was magical.
