Legal community opens doors for law students

Behind every aspiring lawyer is often someone willing to offer advice, open a door or share what they've learnt along the way.

On 14 October, Auckland Law School brought together alumni, donors, and industry professionals to thank them for the time, expertise and encouragement they generously contribute to students, faculty and programmes.

The event recognised the many ways supporters help students get the most out of their studies and prepare for professional life, from mentoring and career advice to opportunities to connect with the legal profession.

Keynote speaker James Palmer, a University of Auckland law and arts graduate, knows the value of giving back.

He had planned to spend his career practising law, joining his father's firm after graduating.

But, as he joked, he made the 'mistake' of giving some of his time to charities.

“As a result, when I was 29, I became the CEO of a charity. I saw what an amazing impact you can have when you serve non-profits.”

That experience opened his eyes to the scale of New Zealand's housing crisis and eventually led him to launch Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA), where he’s chief executive.

“I was lucky enough to have a warm, dry, stable home growing up, but that's not a given for a lot of us.”

CHFA has advanced more than half a billion dollars in lower-cost, long-term loans to community housing providers, supporting the delivery of affordable homes across the country.

The projects it has helped finance include homes designed for people with autism, apartments with communal spaces, affordable three-bedroom family homes and properties with solar panels to reduce electricity costs. 

James, who was recognised in the University of Auckland's 40 Under 40 in 2025, credits his legal education with helping him pursue a career he hadn't originally imagined.

“My job is a very unique one, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for this law school and the amazing training I received. So, I was hoping to give back a little tonight around the journey I've been on, and how I've applied this to, hopefully, make a positive impact.”

The evening also offered a chance to hear directly from Hannah Milo, a final-year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts conjoint student majoring in Politics and International Relations and Communications.

She spoke about her journey through law school and the people who have helped her along the way.

A proud Filipina, Hannah reflected on the sacrifices made by her parents and grandfather, who left the Philippines in search of opportunities.

"Like many of my peers, I’m standing here today on the shoulders of generations of sacrifices, faith, and dreams."

She thanked alumni and supporters for sponsoring student competitions, networking events and even much-needed coffees during exams.

But their generosity, she said, went well beyond financial contributions.

"You've also been generous with your time, with your wisdom, and your encouragement."

Hannah spoke about the Women's Mentoring Programme, where monthly meetings with an industry mentor provided advice and encouragement as she navigated her studies and considered her future.

She also detailed the value of clerkship opportunities, including her experience at Chapman Tripp, where she will return as a graduate next year.

While artificial intelligence is bringing uncertainty to the future of legal practice, Hannah said she was reassured by "the investment that this industry makes into the next generation of professionals".

Professor Susan Watson, Acting Dean of Law, says the support students receive from the Law School’s wider community helps them make the most of their studies and prepare for their future careers.

“Our students benefit enormously from the generosity and experience of the people around them. By sharing their knowledge and opening doors, our supporters help create opportunities that can shape the next generation of legal professionals. We’re incredibly grateful for the role they play in our community.”