Russell McVeagh Board Chair and partner Allison Arthur-Young and CEO Jo Avenell have been recognised as exceptional women leaders in this year's NZ Lawyer Elite Women 2023 list.
The list celebrates the legal profession's leading women who stand out for their drive to make a lasting positive impact within their fields and in their communities.
"It is an honour to be named in this year's list, alongside an amazing group of women leaders from across the profession," says Allison Arthur-Young. "We're inspired every day by the commitment and dedication of the talented women we work with, who strive to make positive change in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Allison Arthur-Young
Allison is a partner in the firm's Environment, Planning and Natural Resources practice and Chair of the Russell McVeagh Board since 2021. As well as advising clients on projects of national significance, she has led the refresh of the firm's D&I strategy for which the firm was awarded Advanced GenderTick status in a landmark first for a NZ law firm and a White Camellia Award for its work in promoting equality through community initiatives and advocacy.
Allison also features in LawFuel's Power List 2022, was a finalist in the 'Diversity Champion of the Year' category at 2023 Diversity Awards NZ, and was named in NZ Lawyer's 'Most Influential Lawyers 2022' list, as a Changemaker.
Jo Avenell
Russell McVeagh CEO Jo Avenell is known for delivering significant culture change, improving organisational performance and transforming commercial results. She actively champions diversity and inclusion and has done so throughout her career.
Jo is a member of Champions for Change, Global Women and a mentor for Multi-ethnic Young Leaders NZ's 3 Kapu Kawhe Mentorship Programme.
ESG Overview 2023
This week Russell McVeagh published its ESG Overview 2023: Our Contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand | Tō tātou ki Aotearoa, which provides an update on the firm's progress and commitments focused around helping to shape a sustainable and prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand, with this work led by Allison and Jo, together with the firm's partnership and management team.