Capability
I have over 25 years of broad-ranging commercial legal experience, practising in-house in both New Zealand and London. Across four engagements with AIA Insurance, I provide strategic legal support on complex claims, investments management, FMA and RBNZ compliance, privacy, procurement, and commercial contracting. I’m valued for my ability to quickly understand business priorities, manage risk, and deliver clear, practical advice in a fast-moving financial services environment.
Previously, as General Counsel at Stuff (via Juno Legal), I was part of the executive team and completed the 2020 MBO. I managed defamation litigation, led privacy and cyber compliance, and advised on a wide range of commercial and technology matters.
I bring 13 years of governance experience across education, legal services, and community organisations, which strengthens my ability to see the broader strategic picture, anticipate downstream impacts, and support effective decision-making at executive and board level.
I thrive in in-house roles because they involve working closely with business to deliver practical, commercial outcomes. The diversity of issues and queries ensures that no two days are the same, and I enjoy helping organisations navigate complex challenges while progressing their strategic goals.
Juno Clients
Toll Holdings (NZ) Limited, Stuff Limited (twice), AIA Insurance (4 times), Vector, Serko, EROAD
Before Juno
Fonterra | Senior Corporate Counsel
Spark | Senior Counsel
Toll NZ | Legal Advisor
Reliance Globalcom Services Inc. | Head of Legal
Lloyds TSB Bank plc | Legal Adviser
Buddle Findlay | Senior Solicitor
IRD | Solicitor
Areas of expertise
- Commercial contract drafting and negotiation
- Privacy and data protection
- IT/IP
- Governance
- Financial Services
- Media
- General risk management
Governance/Community
I was on the Campbells Bay School Board of Trustees for 9 years, including 3 years as Chair, and the Juno Sounding Board for 2 years. I'm currently a SPELD NZ Board member (November 2024) and a Rangitoto College Board of Trustees member (September 2025).
Jen is an absolute superstar and has taken on the role of general counsel with enormous ease, despite media being a new industry to her. Nothing fazes her, whether it be a tricky media issue or, as happened a few weeks into her tenure, a change of ownership for our business.
She has become an integral part of our executive leadership team, respected and trusted by the whole executive as well as the wider business, and has been a valued contributor to our overall strategic work and planning. Besides her professional abilities, she is a fantastic colleague to work alongside and we have been very fortunate to have her in our business.
Sinead Boucher
Company Owner, Stuff
Jen [gave a] thorough and thoughtful handover. She has played such a key role in establishing the "new Stuff" since the MBO, and I know she is very loved by the business. I can also see the stellar work she has done in re-shaping our legal function to make it fit for purpose for the journey ahead. And of course she is a whip-smart lawyer and a brilliant, funny and kind colleague. Whoever gets her next will be very lucky.
Genevieve O'Halloran
Former General Counsel, Stuff
Engaging Juno and bringing Jen into the team has been a real success. Lockdown didn't stop Jen integrating into our team and getting across the work. She is a very experienced and capable lawyer. Despite not having a financial services or insurance sector background Jen has picked up the work with ease and is willing to give anything a go.
Jackie Waddams
General Counsel, AIA New Zealand
We’ve really enjoyed having Jen on the team and have appreciated her help. She has been great at getting on with the work and putting her hand up to assist whenever possible. We can highly recommend her.
Harriet Blackburn
Former General Counsel, Vector
Jen was an excellent addition to the EROAD Legal team. She hit the ground running, understood the commercial drivers of the business, and proved to be a safe pair of hands with strong technical knowledge - she drove projects through to completion with minimal oversight, giving the team full confidence that matters were in good hands.
Ksenija Chobanovich
General Counsel and Company Secretary, EROAD
Jen Hanton supports
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