The partner tells us a meaningful piece of information she was able to share to a client
Earlier this year, seasoned succession and estate planning lawyer Rebecca Steens made partner at Holland Beckett in a move that the firm said recognised her “sustained contribution to the firm’s strategic growth, the development of its succession, estates and trusts practice, and her reputation as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex estate and succession planning matters”. However, Steens said going into law “wasn’t an obvious choice” for her at first.
In the first half of this interview, the partner tells NZ Lawyer about her first law clerking job and helping to streamline the firm’s trust administration process.
What made you choose a career in law, and what’s your favourite part of the job?
Law wasn’t an obvious choice for me initially. I landed a law clerking job before I officially began my studies, which gave me an early insight into the profession and the day-to-day role of a court lawyer.
My favourite part of the job is the mix of challenge and purpose. No two days are the same, and the work genuinely matters to people.
What has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
One moment that has stayed with me was after requesting the grant of probate from the court, being able to tell a client that their estranged parent had left them several million dollars. Being able to deliver that news was incredibly meaningful, given what I knew about the background to that relationship.
What was the most important thing you were involved in over the past year?
Over the past year, the most significant work I’ve been involved in was developing Hobec’s [Holland Beckett's] trust administration system. We are a trustee of many family trusts, and estates, and often come on as a trustee when an independent is required, for example during litigation. The aim was to streamline how we operate and, more importantly, improve how clients experience our independent trustee service. Seeing it come together and knowing it has made things clearer and more client-focused has been rewarding.
Outside of work, the most important thing to me is prioritising my family.
If you could relive one day in your life, which would it be and why?
I’d relive my wedding day in a heartbeat. It was such a happy, relaxed day surrounded by friends and family.
