Corporate Advisory partner Hannah Wilson shares her journey from graduate to partner at Russell McVeagh – an elevation that came earlier than most in the legal profession.
What kind of legal work are you involved in?
I have over a decade's experience advising clients in M&A and commercial contracting transactions. I first joined Russell McVeagh as a new graduate and cut my teeth working on the Government's Mixed Ownership Model programme of partial privatisation of the 'gentailers' – a great way to start a career as a corporate lawyer!
After moving to the UK to work for a global law firm, I began to specialise in strategic commercial contracting projects and found myself working on joint ventures and supply arrangements for global pharmaceutical and automotive companies (including in Formula 1!).
Since returning to Russell McVeagh in 2022, I have been able to build a practice advising some of New Zealand's largest corporates with their most strategically important and complex commercial projects. The work is high stakes, technical and requires you to have a deep understanding of the client's business – but it's incredibly gratifying when you can build strong client relationships and help find solutions. Not to mention, it's also a lot of fun!
What were the reasons you were appointed partner?
I think clients value my combined strengths in M&A and commercial transactions as I understand the importance of being able to negotiate successful outcomes while understanding the need to build relationships that will last after the deal is done.
I'm very fortunate to be able to bring my skills set to a really strong Russell McVeagh corporate practice and further strengthen our overall offering as Tier 1 corporate team in the market. Promotion to partnership was also a recognition of the leadership role that I can play in the firm and my commitment to creating great outcomes for our people and clients.
What are the main benefits and challenges of being a partner?
Promotion to partnership at Russell McVeagh was a huge career highlight and a really gratifying recognition of my work. The biggest challenge that has come with the role is adjusting to the transition from senior lawyer where your focus is on the technical legal work – to business owner - where your focus is on client servicing and leading the team of lawyers working for you.
Gaining the title of 'Partner' does put you in a privileged position in the legal profession and I've really enjoyed being able to use my role to support more junior lawyers and law students, including through Auckland University's Women's Law Mentoring Programme.