The AJ Park associate encourages law students to take the initiative to put themselves out there
Last week, Rumbie Mutanga told NZ Lawyer about getting to incorporate her passion for fashion into her work (something she goes into further detail about below!) This week, in the second half of her interview with us, the AJ Park associate explains why she’s impressed with the law students who take the initiative to reach out, and the piece of advice she’s still trying to follow herself.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your career and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?
I think the biggest piece of advice I have is to try to show up exactly as you are, let people know you and what you are interested in (and that it is also okay if that changes). For me, it’s fashion and I’ve been able to weave that into my work. It’s been great to explore my interests in a work capacity by writing fashion articles, sharing topical content on LinkedIn, connecting with people in the industry, supporting fashion businesses with IP law, and interviewing industry icons like Karen Walker and Grant Partridge.
Another would be to network! I am about to sound far older than I am, but I have been genuinely impressed by the law students who I have had a coffee with because they emailed AJ Park to find out more about working in IP law. Their initiative and ability to put themselves out there so early in their career is impressive. I was never that brave when I was at university. Honestly, it’s advice I’m still trying to follow myself.
What should the profession focus more on?
Like most professions, getting the balance right between embracing technology but making sure it’s not at the expense of learning and growth opportunities for those who want it, no matter at what stage of their career.
What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
Keeping talent. I know so many people around my PQE level that have either left the profession entirely or have left the country to practice law elsewhere.
What are your thoughts on new technology and its impact on the legal profession?
Broadly speaking I think it is good but like with anything it is about balance. AI for example has been the subject of some really interesting overseas cases so that is exciting from a professional curiosity perspective. But at the same time, AI has the potential to replace junior and intermediate lawyers, taking away the stuff that we cut out teeth on. Our training models so to speak.
I also enjoy the flexibility technology gives us; we can now work from home which has the potential to be really good for work-life balance but that requires some really good firm boundaries on what is work time and what is not – it is easy for them to encroach on each other.
