Jorge Marquet - Key Accounts Manager

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Where are you originally from? 

From Mexico City, Mexico

What was your legal background and experience in your home country?

Before coming to New Zealand in August 2018, I had graduated from Law School in Mexico (LLB) and had no previous legal work experience.

CURRENT ROLE

Can you describe the process you went through to become a lawyer in New Zealand?

I came to New Zealand because my partner chose University of Auckland to study a masters degree (LLM).

I currently work in the Music Industry as a Key Accounts Manager for the Australasian copyright collection society APRA AMCOS. As part of my role I practise as an overseas admitted lawyer (admitted in Mexico) and my role does not require me to be admitted in the High Court of New Zealand.

What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?

I manage music copyright licensing for OneMusic NZ, overseeing a portfolio of over 40 background music suppliers, both domestic and international, that provide music services to approximately 6,000 businesses in New Zealand. I also handle the music licences for songwriters and composers in all cinemas across the country.

My responsibilities include resolving legal disputes between OneMusic NZ and licensed businesses, ensuring compliance with the Copyright Act 1994 and the Companies Act 1993.

Additionally, I analyse key business data relevant to financial management, sales performance, and other business areas.

The biggest challenge in fulfilling these responsibilities has been the sustained effort required to continuously upskill in areas beyond traditional legal practice. This includes data analysis, software development, digital marketing, emerging technologies, and transitioning between different legal fields. Constant adaptation has been essential to reaching this stage.

TRANSITION TO NEW ZEALAND

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning to the legal field in New Zealand?

The biggest challenge has been performing all these activities in a language that is not my native tongue. Despite studying legal papers in English as part of my curriculum, there is a steep learning curve for legal practitioners from different jurisdictions to familiarise themselves with New Zealand legal terminology.

How did you overcome these challenges?

The New Zealand approach to business is quite pragmatic compared to Mexico. For example, in Mexico, legal practitioners tend to write overly complex legal documents that only lawyers understand. In New Zealand, the challenge was adapting to a less technical but still precise professional language. Developing an approach to "think outside the box" from my academic training has been the most fundamental strategy to overcome challenges in this space.

SUCCESS STORIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your legal career in New Zealand?

My biggest achievement has been being selected to manage a legal resolutions team, where I work daily with lawyers admitted to practise in New Zealand.

What do you consider your biggest success since moving here?

My biggest success has been developing a mindset of continuous growth and upskilling, and overcoming the fear of diving into different specialty disciplines. I have successfully demonstrated how law can be complemented by technology and vice versa, and I feel very proud of that.

ADVICE FOR OTHER FOREIGN LAWYERS

Are there any specific skills or qualifications that you found particularly valuable?

Compared to other countries, New Zealand is generally not afraid to adopt new technologies. Certifications in data analysis tools can be valuable for legal roles that operate outside the traditional court-justice environment, where many lawyers are typically trained.

Interpersonal skills are essential when practising in New Zealand. Overcoming the fear of networking and building diverse connections is also very important in New Zealand, which is renowned for being a multicultural country.

FUTURE GOALS

What are your professional goals for the future?

I aim to continue improving my business, financial, and legal acumen. One of my goals is to develop skills that help non-legal professionals and tech professionals feel more comfortable navigating the legal world, and help legal professionals feel more comfortable navigating the tech world.

How do you see your career progressing in New Zealand?

New Zealand's smaller volume compared to other countries can significantly impact career progression in many industries, and this is an important consideration for those relocating here. However, New Zealand offers excellent opportunities for career progression, particularly in perfecting English skills, which is a valuable skill in a global economy. Additionally, New Zealand's strong nation branding and reputation add significant value to my curriculum, marking notable progress in my career.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

How do you find the work-life balance in New Zealand compared to your home country?

The work-life balance in New Zealand is dramatically different and, in most cases, positive, especially regarding work hours and leave allowances. New Zealand's working culture is recognised as one of the best in the world and is a significant factor that many migrant workers consider when choosing to relocate here.

However, New Zealand does face general challenges, particularly regarding cost of living pressures when comparing salary purchasing power against the cost of goods and services. While everyone’s individual circumstances vary, these factors should not deter one from considering New Zealand for work and living. Instead, they are important points that are often overlooked.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in New Zealand?

I enjoy many aspects of living and working in New Zealand that now seem basic but were not available back home. For example, I appreciate breathing clean air every day and being able to express myself honestly with my work colleagues. Additionally, I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and ethnicities.