Ngā mihi nui to Nicole Chelmis, Philie Deo, Richard Monigatti and Romina Seylani for generously sharing their insights, experiences, and the best advice they’ve received along the way. Their stories not only inspire us with their fresh eyes but also provide valuable lessons on how we can continue to support those newer to the in-house community. Kei runga noa atu koutou! The future is indeed bright.
A hearty shout-out to ILANZ and MAS for their support in recognising and nurturing the talents of these up-and-coming legal leaders. Ka mau te wehi!
Let’s meet them and their unique journeys, which highlight the importance of aligning your values, embracing opportunities, and fostering genuine relationships.
Nicole Chelmis, Legal Counsel, Contact Energy
Can you tell us about your role and what you are enjoying about it?
I joined the legal team at Contact Energy in May 2022. Contact is one of New Zealand’s largest energy generators and retailers, with over 600,000 customer connections across electricity, gas, broadband and mobile plans.
I love the diversity of work I get to do. On any day, I can go from providing marketing advice to reviewing a procurement contract to jumping on a call to discuss our Climate-Related Disclosure obligations. A highlight from the past year was being an integral part of the project team in the launch of Contact Mobile.
There is never a dull moment when I’m at work and my team also plays a huge role in that; we support each other to learn and develop and have fun along the way. Contact has a clear purpose, to lead Aotearoa’s decarbonisation, so personally, I find the work meaningful and feel proud that our team is able to make a difference.
Has your career developed differently from what you imagined it would be when you began?
In 2013, I waved goodbye to my family in Greece and moved to Aotearoa to go to university. I chose law because the skills you’re taught are so wonderfully transferrable and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be. If someone told me when I was finishing law school where I’d be in the next five years, I would not have believed them. My career hasn’t taken the traditional route through the usual law firm path and I genuinely thought I couldn’t have the career I am embarking on now without that experience.
My career has developed completely differently from how I thought it would, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I have found my dream job and I feel so privileged to be able to say that.
What is the most helpful advice or support you've received in your legal career, and how has it been helpful?
Back yourself and say yes to every opportunity.
Nine months ago, I was given the opportunity to step up and provide support to the corporate and company secretarial function. This was a new area for me, and I was operating outside my comfort zone, but saying yes and trusting that I could do this with the support of our General Counsel has helped me grow and develop significantly in the past months.
What have you seen in the profession that you have been inspired by?
I’m inspired by the wāhine toa I have met along the way who have taken the time to mentor me and share their knowledge and experience.
Philie Deo, Legal Counsel, Hato Hone St John
Can you tell us about your role and what you are enjoying about it?
As Legal Counsel, I provide legal advice for the whole organisation. I enjoy getting to talk to different people and working closely with them on the problems they are trying to solve; whether it's new terms for an Ambulance Station Lease or supporting staff through a coronial inquiry.
I get to work with decent and interesting people. I like that we are an organisation out there doing good in the community and the sense of purpose I get from that. It feels like my work has an impact for real people and real issues.
Has your career developed differently from what you imagined it would be when you began?
Very much so. Initially, I was focused on the big law firms and the path to partnership. But I struggled with it being so transactional and the lack of significance of the relationships and connection.
What drew me to in-house practice was a secondment, where I got to work closely with people from all walks of the organisation. It’s easier to build relationships in an in-house role, which in private practice can feel a bit disingenuous.
What is the most helpful advice or support you've received in your legal career, and how has it been helpful?
It’s not necessarily advice I’ve received in my legal career, but advice instilled in me by my parents. They always told us that it’s important to love what you do. This helped give me the courage to step away from legal practice when it wasn’t quite right for me and then take the chance on an in-house role with Hato Hone St John.
What have you seen in the profession that you have been inspired by?
There is a greater focus on the mental wellbeing of those in the legal profession. It is a challenging and demanding profession. It is inspiring to see those speaking about their mental health challenges, how they manage it and how this is now part of the kōrero.
Richard Monigatti, Manager Legal Services – Litigation and Operations, Maritime New Zealand
Can you tell us about your role and what you are enjoying about it?
I am the manager of Maritime NZ’s litigation and operations unit. I lead a national team of solicitors who advise Maritime NZ on its regulatory investigations, compliance action, and prosecutions. I particularly enjoy the different types of work I am exposed to on any given day – including people management, litigation, and advising on strategic matters such as Maritime NZ’s current extension of health and safety designation. I find value in being able to support both the operational and strategic roles of the organisation with a great team.
What drew you to in-house legal practice?
I started my career in a large law firm within the general litigation team. My move to in-house practice came from a desire to advise on matters within a wider operating environment and see the practical impact of my work day to day. Being part of a regulatory organisation gives me the opportunity to have a direct impact. I also have a keen personal interest in maritime matters and enjoy spending time on the water.
What is the most helpful advice or support you've received in your legal career, and how has it been helpful?
“Remember your audience.” – When I started as a lawyer, I had a very ‘academic approach’ and I had a hard time writing for different audiences. Over time I learned to tailor the nature and extent of my advice to the recipient. This has been especially helpful in-house, as I advise a range of internal clients and also communicate with external lawyers and the courts. Each recipient has a particular lens, perspective and need, so I always tailor my work to the intended audience.
What have you seen in the profession that you have been inspired by?
I am inspired by the energy and care that lawyers put into their work. The sense of justice and pride of work draws me and many other people to legal practice. I enjoy working in and with a profession that wants to improve society, even when times are challenging and workloads are high.
Romina Seylani, Corporate Solicitor, Douglas Pharmaceuticals
Can you tell us about your role and what you are enjoying about it?
I am a member of the six-person in-house legal team at Douglas Pharmaceuticals, which is New Zealand’s largest privately owned pharmaceutical business founded by Sir Graeme Douglas and operates by its mission; to improve lives. Douglas exports prescription medicines to over 40 countries and sells over-the-counter and nutraceutical products in New Zealand, operates a manufacturing facility and an innovation facility in Auckland and a nutraceutical manufacturing facility in Fiji.
I support all aspects of the business through contract negotiation, interpretation and management, branding and consumer law advice, acquisitions, national and international trade mark filings and general legal advisory services that relate to operating a successful business. The highlight of my role is supporting the aspirations of the Consumer arm of the business—the Consumer business develops and represents some of New Zealand’s most well-known and respected pharmacy brands such as Clinicians, Avene, BraveFace and Ego.
I feel lucky to support their creation of new passion brands, consider regulatory aspects of marketing promotions, engaging with our Social Media and Brand Managers to contract with brand ambassadors, influencers and UGC creators, and educate the business on legal realities.
Has your career developed differently from what you imagined it would be when you began?
Totally! I wanted to be a fashion designer when I finished High School. Unfortunately, my lack of sewing skills meant I wasn’t suited for the life of luxury fashion and instead, went down the LLB(Hons) and BCom route. Working a few years in a law firm made me realise the “business” part of the law appealed to me the most, so a fitting change was to move into an in-house environment where one is confronted with commercial realities on a daily basis. I didn’t imagine my legal skills could ever help create new brands or support teams in achieving commercial goals, I (naively) thought being a lawyer meant you write long opinions and go to court. Douglas has been a pleasant surprise to where I thought my career ought to be.
What is the most helpful support you've received in your legal career, and how has it been helpful?
I am fortunate to have been mentored by extra-ordinary women who are committed to sharing their knowledge, leading with empathy and offering guidance. In a professional service environment where knowledge holds power, I have experienced nothing but graciousness from those I look up to.
What have you seen in the profession that you have been inspired by?
The identification of opportunities to improve old processes and ways of being, leaving the profession better for the incoming patriots.
Here's to Nicole Chelmis, Philie Deo, Richard Monigatti, and Romina Seylani's journeys and the insight and inspiration they shared with us. They are great reminders to know your audience, be steadfast in your purpose, and be curious and open to new opportunities. And a hearty cheer also to ILANZ and MAS for recognising these rising stars and supporting excellence in our profession.
He whetū koutou - you're all stars! We look forward to celebrating with the in-house community at the ILANZ Conference 2024 in Blenheim. See you there.