Russell McVeagh partner Lauren Rapley has been named on the NZ Part Time Power List 2025, which celebrates high-performing professionals who work part time.
Lauren began working part time following the birth of her son in April, 2024. She is a leader in our Environment and Planning team, advising clients on complex environmental matters and projects that are often regionally and nationally significant.
"I am proud to be part of a partnership, team and firm that supports me to have a working arrangement that fits our family. Having leaders within our business and industry with flexible working arrangements is important to show our future leaders there is not a one-size-fits-all or that a role should or must be done in a certain way. An ideal working arrangement will be different for each family and individual, and will likely change over time for different seasons of your career or life.
Lauren Rapley
Working four days a week allows me to have dedicated one-on-one time with my son while also allowing me to build my career, lead our team and deliver outcomes for our clients. I love that in the working week I can be in a corporate environment advising clients on complex legal matters as well as playing in the sandpit with diggers or visiting the giraffes at the zoo – it's such a contrast and reminds me what it's all for. A four-day arrangement undoubtedly takes planning, communication and a strong support network but it's worth it!"
Lauren joined the Russell McVeagh partnership in December 2024 and was previously named a 2022 Rising Star by NZ Lawyer Magazine, which recognises lawyers demonstrating leadership and achievement within New Zealand’s legal profession.
She is the second Russell McVeagh partner to be recognised on the NZ Part Time Power List, following board member and partner Liz Blythe’s inclusion in the inaugural 2024 list.