Shamika Pujara - Solicitor, Litigator

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE 

Where are you originally from?  

Mumbai, India

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

None.  I studied commerce and accounting.

TRANSITION TO NEW ZEALAND

What motivated you to move to New Zealand?  

Besides the urge to further my education, I wanted a taste of independence with a push towards personal development.  

What motivated you to practice law or work in the NZ legal industry? 

I got bored working as an accountant as there is hardly any room for creativity in crunching numbers.  I wanted a career where you never stop the learning process.  More importantly, I wanted to blend my love for problem solving into a career opportunity.

Can you describe the process you went through to become a lawyer or get your current role in New Zealand?  

To get my current role, I had to be:

1. admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand; and
2. hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate from the Law Society.

As a prerequisite to completing step (a), I obtained a Bachelor of Laws from AUT followed by completing profs.

CURRENT ROLE

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

I am a solicitor at Rice Speir and work in the following areas of litigation for local government clients across NZ:

• regulatory compliance and enforcement;
• resource management; and
• alcohol licensing.

How does your current role differ from your previous roles in your home country?  

I never worked in my home country and came to NZ when I was 19.

CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATIONS 

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

The biggest challenge was balancing legal studies and a full time career.

How did you overcome these challenges?  

I learnt how to embrace change, seek help and focus on solutions. 

SUCCESS STORIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

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

My biggest achievements are not quantitative, for example, making connections, helping others along the way.

What do you consider your biggest success since moving here?  

Everything really.  This is the only place I have lived / worked / studied as an adult.  My biggest success would be making NZ home.

ADVICE FOR OTHER FOREIGN LAWYERS

What advice would you give to other foreign lawyers considering moving to New Zealand?  

Be prepared for hard work and feeling homesick.   

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

As an avid chess player, problem solving is key for me.  

FUTURE GOALS

What are your professional goals for the future?  

Specialise in a niche area of law.  Mentor junior lawyers.

How do you see your career progressing in New Zealand?  

I see myself continue private practice where time is valued, and hard work is rewarded.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

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

NZ has a great work-life balance because time-off is protected by law.  Typically, a full-time lawyer enjoys:

• minimum four weeks paid annual leave;
• 11 public holidays; and
• access to bereavement, sick, and parental leave.

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

I love the fact that you are never too far from a beach, bike trail, or mountain.