We are delighted that Jayne O’Connell and Sophie Harker have been recognised as Future Legal Leaders by NZ Lawyer.
Jayne O’Connell is a Senior Associate in our banking and finance team, with particular expertise in restructuring and insolvency. She advises insolvency practitioners, creditors, distressed companies and directors on all aspects of corporate insolvency processes, and has been involved in a number of the New Zealand market’s most significant restructuring and insolvency matters over the past year.
Jayne brings valuable international experience, having previously worked in a leading law firm in London and Madrid.
Partner Michael Harper said, “Jayne has quickly established herself as a standout lawyer in the restructuring and insolvency market since rejoining Chapman Tripp in 2024. She combines excellent technical ability with sound judgement and a practical, client-focused approach, earning the trust of clients and colleagues alike.”
Sophie Harker is a Senior Associate in our competition and regulatory team. She advises clients across a wide range of industries on competition law, consumer and regulatory issues, and has extensive experience engaging with the Commerce Commission on merger control, investigations, enforcement and Commerce Act regulation. She has particular expertise in the telecommunications and electricity sectors.
Sophie has also been recognised as a Leading Associate by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026.
Partner Lucy Cooper said, “Sophie’s work is of outstanding quality, and she has long been recognised as a future star. She combines deep expertise across competition and regulatory law with excellent judgement, strong advocacy and a real ability to earn clients’ trust.”
Chapman Tripp congratulates all of this year’s Future Legal Leaders.
NZ Lawyer invited professionals across the New Zealand legal industry to nominate exceptional young talent for the Future Legal Leaders list. Nominees had to be age 35 or under (as of January 31, 2026) and demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in the legal profession with a strong passion for the industry.
