The 2024 Most Influential Lawyer is looking forward to "a year of recovery"
People are at the centre of what makes a legal career for Amanda Bedford. The McCaw Lewis director is “constantly laughing” at work and enjoyed being promoted alongside her colleagues and friends.
In this interview, the 2024 Most Influential Lawyer and 2024 Elite Woman discusses becoming a director at the age of 33, what for her has defined the past five years, and being encouraged to pursue law by the people around her.
I chose a career in the law for few reasons. I liked the certainty of a law degree – once you complete it you know what your pathway is, acknowledging that there are of course some iterations. I also felt it played to my strengths and aligned nicely with the subjects I had taken at high school. Then there was all of the feedback that I received from those around me who encouraged me to pursue it.
My favourite part of the job hands down is the people. I have some amazing clients and incredible colleagues and am inspired by them all. I am constantly laughing at work and love the challenges of navigating the people dynamics that arise in our work.
Becoming a director at 33 years old. It happened a little sooner than I expected and it was such a great experience as I was promoted into the position alongside two of my colleagues, and friends. Completing the Stepping Up course alongside them and navigating the steep learning curve from working in the business to working on the business with their support was a really cool experience.
Being named as an ‘Elite Woman’ and an ‘Influential Lawyer’ by NZ Lawyer along with my firm being a finalist for employer of choice in the NZ Law Awards.
I’m looking forward to what I would call a year of recovery. The past five years seem to have been plagued by COVID-19 lockdowns and the resulting hangover from them including in terms of the economy.
I literally cannot pick one – I have so many wonderful days which makes me feel pretty lucky!
