New Chair marks a historic first as Tompkins Wake leads the way for women in law

Friday 23 October, 2026

Kate Cornegé has been named one of Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer's Elite Women 2026. She is also the first woman and youngest person to chair Tompkins Wake in the firm's 104-year history.

Elite Women 2026

Now in its sixth year, the Elite Women list recognises 105 women leading the legal profession across Australia and New Zealand. Nominations come from peers, who outline each nominee's achievements over the past 12 months and their impact on the profession. The editorial teams then review every nomination.

This year's cohort is changing how firms operate. They are championing flexible work, rewarding people in non-traditional ways and sponsoring junior women rather than simply mentoring them.

A Historic First for Tompkins Wake

Based in Hamilton, Kate now chairs the firm's 29 partners, in a firm of more than 180 people across Hamilton, Auckland, Rotorua and Tauranga. Women hold 15 of those 29 partnership positions (51.7%), compared with a national average of 37.6% (New Zealand Law Society, Snapshot of the Profession 2025).

Kate says the appointment is special because of what it signals to younger lawyers.

"The role-model side of it matters to me. I want people coming through the profession to see that this is an option they can pursue," she says.

Building a Career With Flexibility

Kate joined Tompkins Wake as a senior associate in 2010 and became a partner in 2017. Both her children were born after she joined the firm, and she worked flexible and part-time hours during their early years.

"That flexibility meant I could stay connected, continue doing good work and keep building my career," she says.

She now sees flexibility as something that matters to everyone. "People do their best work when they can build careers that fit alongside the rest of their lives."

Leading the Litigation Practice

A civil and commercial dispute resolution specialist with more than 20 years' experience, Kate has been recommended by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific for dispute resolution each year since 2020. She has played a significant role in growing the firm's litigation practice and developing its next generation of lawyers. The team was recently named Team of the Year at the firm's internal awards.

A Trusted Leader

Chief Executive Jon Calder says Kate is highly respected as both an exceptional lawyer and a trusted leader.

"Kate combines formidable legal ability with empathy, sound judgement and a genuinely collaborative approach," Jon says.

Looking ahead, Kate wants to keep the partnership close and connected as the firm continues to grow. "Overall, I want to make sure everyone feels we are part of one big team."

Congratulations, Kate.