Our Interview With Abhi Puthigae, Co-President Of The UoA Women in Law

Abhi Puthigae is the Co-President of UoA Women in Law.

Which barriers do you believe still exist for women in law, and how can the next generation of female attorneys work to overcome them?

The legal profession has seen meaningful change in recent times, with women now well-represented in law schools and increasingly present across all levels of practice; however, real barriers remain. Unconscious bias continues to shape daily professional life in subtle yet significant ways, from who leads conversations in meetings to who gets included in client-facing and professional development opportunities. The gender pay gap also persists and remains one of the more visible reminders that representation alone does not equate to equity.

For the next generation of women entering the profession, one of the most powerful tools is learning to vocalise when you notice yourself or other women being overseen, and developing the communication skills to do so confidently, effectively, and most importantly, respectfully. Equally valuable is finding your community and surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Getting involved in groups and networks that actively champion gender equity means you are never advocating alone. Change tends to gather momentum in numbers, and that support network can make all the difference, both professionally and personally.

Which qualities or skills set women lawyers apart in competitive environments, and how can law students begin cultivating those now?

Although women in the legal field have an elevated disposition to compassion and interpersonal skills, which are important traits in a client-facing industry, I think the qualities that truly set women lawyers apart in competitive environments are the same ones that define exceptional legal practice: innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to assess a situation holistically rather than through a purely legal lens. Women in law are increasingly advancing some of the most forward-thinking work in the profession, and these skills are ones any law student can begin developing now, through mooting and other simulated experiences, clinical legal exposure, engaging with legal scholarship, and pushing themselves to think beyond the obvious answer.

Mentorship is also something I see as particularly powerful within women in legal communities. There is a strong culture of actively investing in the next generation by sharing knowledge and offering candid guidance that can be harder to access through traditional means. For law students, seeking out those mentoring relationships and connections early with professionals who you view as role models is invaluable.

What is a recent UoA Women in Law initiative that you are most proud of and why?

One initiative I am particularly proud of is our recent Women in Competitions Workshop, which we designed with intention and care in response to something our members had voiced to us - that the competitions landscape at law school can feel a bit daunting and difficult to navigate at times. The workshop gave students a detailed breakdown of the key competitions on offer, with a focus on the two main ones: mooting and negotiations. For us, it was about more than sharing information, but making these important opportunities more accessible. Competitions are one of the most valuable ways law students can build the practical and hireable skills that set them apart, and we want to help students along this pathway. It was so inspiring to see our team come together to organise this meaningful initiative, and I am so proud that their hard work is leaving a long-lasting and positive impact.

What makes this initiative especially meaningful to me is that it directly leads to Women in Law's first ever negotiation competition, which we will be hosting in the coming months. This is close to my heart as it creates a purpose-built space for students to gain real competition experience in an environment that feels supportive and familiar, which is something I think anyone who has gone through law school would love to have had. Ultimately, we hope it serves as a stepping stone, giving our members the confidence and experience to involve themselves in competitions beyond the Women in Law community.

From your own journey, what advice would you give to women currently in the law school admissions stage?

My entry into law looked a little different, as in Aotearoa New Zealand, progressing into a law degree comes down to academic performance rather than a formal admissions process; however, the underlying experience of navigating pressure, uncertainty, and the weight of your own ambitions is something I think translates universally. What I would tell anyone is that it is never too early to start exposing yourself to the practical reality of the profession. Visit your local courthouse and sit in on a hearing, follow the transactions and disputes that different firms are working on, and keep up to date with news stories where the law is influencing people's lives. Law school teaches you the law and how to apply it, but understanding how the profession actually operates on a strategic and practical level is a nuanced skill that will prove to be invaluable. I believe students who seek that perspective at an early stage are already positioned on a successful path.

Additionally, it is so important to form a community and involve yourself in various events and initiatives so you gain those meaningful connections, exposure, and essential knowledge-building. This kind of support matters, and the people you meet in law school will push your legal thinking and shape you professionally. Surround yourself with those who are paying attention to both the world and individuals, and you will find that your own thinking, and your career, will follow.

Juris Education is proud to interview student leaders like Abhi Puthigae, sharing insights on women in law, practical legal skills, mentorship, and career success.