Auckland barrister, Anna Adams, has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office.
Announcing the appointment, Attorney-General, Judith Collins, described Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader.
“She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system,” Ms Collins says.
“Ms Adams also brings strong private‑sector leadership, having chaired a major national law firm. That mix of legal expertise and practical leadership makes her exceptionally well suited to the role of Solicitor-General.
“She is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law. I am confident she will provide strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and continue the high standards expected of the Solicitor-General.”
The Solicitor-General is a key constitutional role, serving as the Crown’s principal legal adviser, providing advice to the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and Cabinet, and leads the Crown Law Office. The Solicitor-General is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor-General.
Ms Adams is an expert in public law with 28 years of experience across advisory work and litigation. She has acted in criminal prosecutions and civil cases for both public and private sector clients and has appeared as lead counsel in more than 100 cases in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, including complex coronial inquests and major inquiries.
Ms Adams is currently a barrister at Bankside Chambers – which is also home to former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson KC. She previously spent 20 years at Meredith Connell, serving as lead partner for public and health law and later as Chair of the Board. She also holds governance roles, including on the board of PHARMAC.
“We are absolutely thrilled for Anna,” says Bankside Board Chair Philip Skelton KC.
“We have no doubt that she will be an outstanding Solicitor-General.”
She will be Aotearoa New Zealand’s 18th Solicitor-General and succeeds Una Jagose KC, who completed 10 years in the role in February 2026.
“I am honoured by this appointment and grateful for the Government’s confidence in me,” she said.
“Through the Solicitor-General role and the teamwork of the Crown Law Office, I intend to deliver the Crown and the people it serves with high-quality legal advice, robust representation in the country’s courts and measurable legal outcomes in the community. This is an exciting and energising opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Ms Adams has been appointed for five years from 11 May 2026.
