Ashleigh Moana-Howard

Senior Associate, McVeagh Fleming
Bachelor of Laws

When Ashleigh Moana-Howard decided to come to AUT to study law, she was driven by one goal: to have a career where she could be useful.

“I didn't start out with a lifelong ambition to become a lawyer. What I did know was that I wanted to be useful in my career. Law has been that for me. The knowledge and skills you develop in law allow you to be effective in lots of ways. When I came to AUT in 2010, I was part of the first intake of law students. AUT filled a gap by offering practical, hands-on learning and practical insight into how the legal profession works. It was the right fit for me.”

More than a decade after graduating with her Bachelor of Laws, she still has fond memories of her time at AUT.

“Looking back, the people stand out to me. The lecturers brought legal practice to life. Their stories and candid views on the profession gave me early insights. The smaller class sizes also suited my personality. I was fairly introverted at the time, and the environment felt more manageable and made it easier to participate and get to know people.

“Another highlight was being part of a law school that was still relatively new when I attended. There was a real sense of energy and ambition about the programme. It was exciting to be part of that journey and to see the law school establish itself and build its reputation. One of the most valuable opportunities during my studies was attending the International Indigenous Research Conference. As a result, I was offered a scholarship to study Indigenous law at the University of Arizona. Although I didn’t take up the scholarship, the experience broadened my understanding of Indigenous legal issues and access to justice. The perspectives I gained continue to influence my approach to advocacy and legal practice today.”

Helping people navigate legal issues
Now working as a senior associate in the litigation team of McVeagh Fleming, Ashleigh loves the variety and opportunities her role offers her.

“No two days are the same – I work across a range of matters, clients and industries, which means I’m constantly learning and being challenged. We have three offices across Auckland, which gives us strong connections to the communities we serve. I enjoy being able to work with a diverse range of clients and help people navigate important issues in their lives and businesses. McVeagh Fleming is also a modern and forward-thinking firm that has genuinely embraced AI and other emerging technologies. It has been interesting to see how those tools are being integrated into legal practice to improve efficiency, while still recognising that sound judgment and client relationships remain at the heart of what we do.

“Some of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career so far include being promoted to senior associate, becoming head of the BD Committee at McVeagh Fleming, assisting in drafting submissions on behalf of Māori Law Society and being asked to speak at the Harcourts National Conference last year. I’m also proud of serving as the treasurer of the South Auckland branch of the National Association of Women in Construction.”

She says her studies at AUT prepared her well for the career she has today.

“It prepared me for change. The legal profession is constantly evolving. Being part of AUT's first law cohort meant there was a willingness to do things differently and adapt as the profession changes. AUT also helped me understand that law is multi-faceted. Practical realities, commercial pressures and understanding people often play just as big a role. That perspective came not only from what I learned in the classroom, but from the life experience I gained alongside my studies, and it has been just as valuable in practice as the law itself.”

Advice for other students
Ashleigh – who graduated from AUT in 2013 – has some great advice for other students.

“Take your studies seriously. Grades matter for longer than you think. At the same time, life experience goes a long way. A lot of legal practice comes down to understanding practical realities, commercial pressures, having tough conversations and understanding what makes people tick, not just knowing the legal answer.”

She also has some great guidance related to having a career in law.

“Sometimes the biggest obstacle you have to overcome is yourself. Everyone struggles with confidence at some point, so know that you’re not alone. Back yourself, practise self-care and don't let self-doubt stand in the way of your potential. This industry opens up a lot of doors. Some you wouldn’t have thought possible. Put your hand up because you never know where it might lead.

“Not every part of the job will be enjoyable. Law can be demanding, with competing expectations, challenging clients and constant deadlines. The key is to find the areas that genuinely interest you and build your career around them. Most importantly, have a good attitude and make yourself useful. Be the person people can rely on. Technical ability matters, but so does being approachable, hardworking and willing to learn. Those qualities are often what create opportunities over the long term.”