What does it really take to build a successful career as a woman in the corporate world?
Join AWLA for an evening of honest conversation with women across law, business and leadership, sharing the career decisions, challenges, opportunities and lessons that have shaped their journeys. We will discuss career progression, leadership, building credibility, navigating traditionally male-dominated environments, developing trusted relationships and the realities of building a career in the corporate world.
When: Thursday, 15 October 2026.
Time: Arrival at 5:45pm for 6:00pm start.
Venue: Simpson Grierson, Level 27, Lumley Tower, 88 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD
Tickets: Students $10 | AWLA Members $20 | Non Members $50
Meet our panellists
Cathy Quinn ONZM | Company Director and Chair
Cathy is a leading New Zealand company director and former senior corporate lawyer, with 35 years of legal and commercial experience. Prior to retiring from the MinterEllisonRuddWatts partnership in 2019, Cathy was one of New Zealand’s leading corporate lawyers and chaired the firm for eight years. She now holds a portfolio of governance roles and is currently Chair of Tourism Holdings, a director of Fonterra, Fletcher Building and Rangatira, and a member of the Council of the University of Auckland. In 2016, Cathy was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law and women.
Anna Trotman | Senior Legal Counsel, Vector
Anna is an experienced financial services lawyer with a wealth of international experience. She spent nine years at a leading global law firm and 17 years in the asset management legal departments of blue-chip financial institutions, including J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Deutsche Bank, primarily working in alternative assets. Since returning to New Zealand, Anna has been part of Juno Legal, undertaking a broad range of placements across different sectors. In June 2026, she joined Vector directly as Senior Legal Counsel.
Jacqui Anderson | General Counsel & Company Secretary, Tend Health
Jacqui is General Counsel & Company Secretary at Tend Health, where she leads the legal, risk and governance functions. With more than 25 years’ legal experience across New Zealand and the UK, Jacqui has worked in leading law firms and held senior in-house roles, including as Head of Legal at AMP Financial Services. She has extensive experience across corporate and commercial matters, M&A, corporate governance, health regulation and privacy.
Anastasiya Gamble | Partner, Simpson Grierson
Anastasiya is a corporate partner at Simpson Grierson with extensive experience advising on significant M&A and private equity transactions, including complex cross-border deals. She works with private equity investors, listed companies and international clients on acquisitions, divestments and strategic investments across a range of sectors. Anastasiya was named Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year at the 2022 New Zealand Law Awards and a Dealmaker of the Year by NZ Lawyer and Australasian Lawyer in 2024. She is also a Council member of New Zealand Private Capital.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be an engaging and practical discussion, followed by drinks and networking.
Refreshments are included with your ticket, kindly provided by Simpson Grierson.
If you would feel more comfortable providing your question in advance, or anonymously, please email your questions to admin@awla.nz .