Anna Adams Named New Zealand Solicitor-General and Crown Law Chief

Anna Adams has been appointed New Zealand's next Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, marking a significant leadership transition in one of the country's most influential constitutional roles. Attorney-General Judith Collins confirmed the appointment today, describing Adams as "an outstanding lawyer and leader" with nearly three decades of experience in public law and litigation.

Adams will begin a five-year term on 11 May 2026, bringing extensive courtroom experience, governance expertise and private-sector leadership to the position responsible for advising the government on complex legal matters.

Veteran Public Law Expert Takes Constitutional Role

The Solicitor-General is the Crown's principal legal adviser and plays a critical role in New Zealand's constitutional framework. The position provides legal advice to the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and Cabinet, and oversees the Crown Law Office, which manages major government litigation and prosecutions.

The office also supervises the Crown's network of prosecutors and ensures consistency in criminal prosecution policy nationwide.

Collins said Adams' deep understanding of public law and her leadership experience made her exceptionally well suited to the role.

"Ms Adams is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law," Collins said. "Her mix of legal expertise and practical leadership will ensure strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and maintain the high standards expected of the Solicitor-General."

Under New Zealand's constitutional arrangements, the Solicitor-General is appointed by the Governor-General and serves at their pleasure.

Nearly Three Decades of Litigation and Advisory Experience

Adams brings 28 years of legal experience, spanning advisory work, complex litigation and criminal prosecutions. Over her career she has appeared as lead counsel in more than 100 cases across the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal.

Her work has included major criminal prosecutions, civil litigation involving public agencies and private clients, as well as complex coronial inquests and national inquiries.

This breadth of experience has placed her at the centre of some of New Zealand's most demanding legal proceedings, particularly in matters involving public law and regulatory oversight.

Leadership in Private Practice and Governance

Currently a barrister at Bankside Chambers, Adams previously spent two decades at Meredith Connell, one of New Zealand's leading litigation law firms. During that time she served as lead partner for public and health law before becoming Chair of the firm's Board, where she oversaw strategy, governance and organisational leadership.

Beyond private practice, Adams holds several governance roles, including serving on the board of PHARMAC, the government agency responsible for managing the national pharmaceutical schedule.

Her career therefore spans litigation, public sector advisory work and institutional leadership—experience widely regarded as valuable for managing the Crown Law Office's complex legal portfolio.

International Legal Training

Adams' academic background includes an LLM from Yale Law School, one of the world's leading legal institutions. She also holds an LLB (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland.

Her international training and long involvement in New Zealand's legal system are expected to support the Crown Law Office in navigating increasingly complex legal challenges, including constitutional issues, public sector accountability and major national litigation.

Strategic Role in Government Legal System

The Solicitor-General position is considered one of the most influential roles in New Zealand's justice system. In addition to advising ministers and Cabinet, the office:

• Oversees significant government litigation

• Ensures consistency in criminal prosecution policy

• Represents the Crown in key appellate cases

• Provides legal guidance on constitutional and public law matters

With increasing legal scrutiny of government decisions and growing complexity in regulatory frameworks, the role has become central to maintaining legal integrity across public administration.

Adams' appointment signals continuity in the Crown Law Office's leadership while bringing new experience from both public and private legal sectors.

Her five-year term will begin 11 May 2026.