About Us
Pink Fern Consulting
Helping foreign-trained lawyers and future lawyers study, work, and practise law in New Zealand.
Whether you want to study in New Zealand, work in the legal industry, or become admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, Pink Fern Consulting can guide you every step of the way.
Our Purpose
Pink Fern Consulting was founded to support foreign-trained lawyers and law students who want to build a career in New Zealand. We aim to remove uncertainty and provide clear guidance on the academic, professional, and practical steps needed to succeed in the NZ legal market.
Whether you are exploring study options, planning your career, or preparing for admission, Pink Fern Consulting is here to support you. Contact us to start your journey.
Our Approach
We take a personalised and practical approach. We listen to your goals, review your experience, and provide advice that is tailored to your situation. From understanding the New Zealand Council of Legal Education assessment and LLM options to navigating work experience and admission requirements, we guide you with clear, actionable steps.
My Story
I came to New Zealand in July 2018 to study a Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Auckland, specialising in Corporate and Commercial Law. After graduating from this programme, in July 2019, I started to work as a Solicitor with Foreign Qualification at Simpson Grierson. I now work at Wynn Williams as a Senior Associate with the Corporate Advisory and Transactions team assisting our clients with different corporate and commercial matters.
Since 2020, I have worked towards becoming admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. In 2026, I was finally admitted. Throughout this journey, I have also supported many international students and foreign lawyers to better understand the New Zealand legal industry and identify pathways that work for their individual circumstances.
I studied a Bachelor of Laws in the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico). As part of the Bachelor of Laws, I did an exchange programme to the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China from February to June 2015.
What a Lawyer - Navigating New Shores, Building a Legal carrer in NZ
From Mexico to Aotearoa New Zealand, Maria has built a career that bridges continents, cultures and legal systems. Now part of the Corporate Advisory and Transactions team at Wynn Williams, she brings deep international experience to her work in M&A, capital raising, commercial structuring and more.
But her impact doesn’t stop there.
Through her initiative, Pink Fern Consulting, Maria supports foreign-trained lawyers navigating requalification in New Zealand. She offers practical advice, cultural insight and a much-needed sense of community. She is sharp, generous and full of insight.
A great listen for any lawyer considering a move to New Zealand from overseas, or even from New Zealand to somewhere else.