Source: New Zealand Government
Anna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced today.
“Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” Ms Collins says.
“She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system.
“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. 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.
Ms Adams holds an LLM from Yale Law School, an LLB (Hons) and a BA from the University of Auckland. She has been appointed for five years from 11 May 2026.
