Building a legal career that makes space for what matters

Chantelle says her career was never about choosing a single, narrow path.

“I studied law and, alongside that, completed an accounting degree, so I always had a strong commercial focus,” she explains. “At university, banking seemed like a great career — and, looking back, I probably thought it looked quite glamorous.”

Her career began as a graduate at ANZ Bank, at a time when companies were still investing heavily in graduate development.

“It was a really strong foundation,” she says. “I rotated through different parts of the bank, completed leadership and professional development courses, and even spent time in Melbourne, where I met the CEO. It was a great way to start my career.”

While working at ANZ, Chantelle completed her professional legal studies.

“I already had the law degree, and ANZ kindly paid for me to do my professional legal course while I was still working,” she says. “Getting admitted to the bar felt like a rite of passage. Once I’d done that, I felt I’d be remiss not to give legal practice a proper go.”

That decision led her to Buddle Findlay’s Banking and Finance team.

“It was a very natural transition from banking,” she says. “The culture at Buddle Findlay was fantastic, the training was great, and I really enjoyed my time there.”

Like many young New Zealanders, Chantelle soon felt the pull to travel.

“I got a recruiter call – back when they still rang your desk phone – asking whether I’d consider moving to Sydney,” she laughs. “I’d been thinking about London, but Sydney felt like a good stepping stone.”

She joined Allens Linklaters — a demanding but rewarding environment.

“It was extremely full on, but the exposure to world-class work was incredible,” she says. “It was also where I met my British husband, who was working as an ED doctor at the time.”

After a short in-house role at American Express and an extended OE through South East Asia and Europe, Chantelle and her husband returned to New Zealand and settled in Wellington. She joined Z Energy as in-house counsel, a role she describes as formative.

“It was a high-performing organisation, and I worked across a wide range of business units,” she says. “There was an enormous amount of learning.”

During her second maternity leave, multiple opportunities arose.

“I was offered three roles and chose a sole counsel position at a start-up technology company,” she says. “It was valuable, seeing how start-ups operated, but coming from more sophisticated organisations with embedded processes, it just wasn’t the right fit.”

Her next move proved pivotal. Chantelle stepped into the Chief Legal role at Callaghan Innovation, where she says she truly thrived.

“I loved the organisation and the work,” she says. “Our two-person legal team was recognised with a Highly Commended award at the ILANZ Awards, which was a real highlight.”

Meanwhile, Chantelle and her husband were also building a business, while raising two young daughters and balancing her husband’s demanding role as a doctor.

“Full-time senior legal work, a busy husband, business ownership, and family life got me rethinking things she says. Something had to give.

That realisation led her to SHIFT.

“I’d heard about SHIFT through other general counsel and the in-house network,” she says. “I did look at other options, but SHIFT stood out for the calibre of lawyers, clients and the way it’s run. It just felt like the right place for me’’.

Chantelle has been on a three-day- week secondment with a major energy provider.

“It’s been a really smooth transition,” she says. “ I’m working in a sophisticated organisation within in an award-winning legal team – it’s been such a good fit so my first secondment  has been a complete pleasure”,

She says the flexibility has been transformative.

“Working three days a week lets me pursue our business interests while still doing high-quality legal work,” she says.

Chantelle also credits her natural strengths for making the secondment model a good fit.

“I’ve always loved meeting new people, learning new industries, and can get up to speed quickly,” she says. “I can assimilate fast, so this model really suits me.”

Looking ahead, she sees a future that balances law with broader leadership and business roles.

“Law will always be part of my identity,” she says. “The skills are invaluable, and you never stop thinking like a lawyer. This way of working just aligns with who I am.”

Outside of work, family remains the priority.

“Our girls are nine and six, and they’re only this age once,” she says. “We coach their basketball teams, we’re involved in the school community, and I’m really grateful to have the flexibility to be present while continuing to achieve our goals.”