The first steps in law and the transition from partnership at a large firm to sole ownership
By Bennett Richardson
16 Apr 2025
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This article was produced in partnership with LexisNexis
Caroline Rieger believes employment law has the power to transform.
"Employment law has the ability to really change communities, both in positive and negative ways," the founder and managing director of Black Door Law told New Zealand Lawyer. "That's the big driver for me – transforming workplaces to better people's lives," says Rieger at the Wellington-based firm.
From navigating the legal world as a single parent during the Global Financial Crisis to building her own forward-thinking firm, Rieger’s journey is defined by a deep commitment to people, a fierce embrace of technology, and a vision for kinder, healthier workplaces. Now, with Black Door Law celebrating its fourth year, Rieger continues to challenge conventions, mentor the next generation, and push for a more thoughtful approach to employment law and the law profession as a whole in New Zealand.
Her journey into employment law began at a place many high school students first cut their teeth in the working world – McDonald's. Those early workplace encounters helped form her understanding of how employment relationships impact individuals.
"I am a specialist employment lawyer who also deals with human rights in the context of employment relationships," said Rieger. "You may be dealing with one individual's discrimination...
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