International Law in Practice: Past, Present, and Future
Hon Christopher Finlayson KC and Expert Panel
Tuesday, 21 July 2026 5:10pm for 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wellington
GBLT3, Old Government Buildings, Pipitea Campus, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
Note: Students of all degrees are welcome to attend
Description:
What does a career in international law look like? Trade policy, investment disputes, arbitration, and mediation across borders: all facets of a complex, specialised, and highly rewarding field. This panel event, co-hosted with VUWLSS, brings together experts in the field for a discussion set out to demystify international law in practice. The panel will cover the constant evolution of the substance and style of international law work and deliver timely advice for those curious about what a future in the field could offer.
Following a ‘fireside chat’-style conversation, time will be allowed for an in-depth Q&A session, so come with your questions!
Confirmed panelists:
Hon Christopher Finlayson KC
Christopher Finlayson was born and educated in Wellington. After graduating with a BA in Latin and a LLM from Victoria University, he practiced law in Wellington as a solicitor before going to the Bar in 2002.
He was elected to Parliament in 2005 and became Attorney-General and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations in 2008. Mr Finlayson held those positions until October 2017. During his Ministerial career he also held a number of other portfolios. He was chair of the Privileges Committee of Parliament from 2011-2017. He retired from Parliament on 30 January 2019 to return to the Bar.
In 2013 he represented New Zealand in the International Court of Justice in a case where Australia sued Japan seeking to stop commercial whaling in the Southern Oceans. New Zealand intervened and Mr Finlayson led the case for New Zealand.
Robert Kirkness
Robert Kirkness graduated with a BA and LLM from the University of Auckland, and has a broad commercial, public and international law practice. He appears as counsel for private clients, State agencies and the Crown in commercial and public law disputes before the New Zealand courts. Robert also acts as counsel for States, corporations and individuals in disputes before international courts and tribunals. In addition to counsel work, Robert serves as arbitrator in international commercial disputes.
Marnie Lloydd
Marnie Lloydd is a leading specialist in international humanitarian law, with over a decade of frontline experience as a Legal Adviser and Delegate with the International Committee of the Red Cross across conflict zones in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Her research examines the international legal regulation of armed conflict, forced displacement and the protection of civilians, with a particular focus on international aid operations, as well as how law deals with foreign fighting and mercenary-related actors. Twice selected as a Global Scholar at Harvard Law School's Institute of Global Law and Policy, Marnie was also recognised as a Women Leader in Law by New Zealand's Borrin Foundation. Her doctoral and subsequent scholarship has received international prizes and distinctions, including an ANZSIL article prize in 2025.
Registrations via Humanitix are required as there is limited capacity - no walk-ups permitted.
Full time students are entitled to free NZIIA Wellington student membership by registering at https://www.nziia.org.nz/membership-form/
One ticket per person. For security reasons each ticket must contain your full first name and surname (that matches your student ID), email address and phone number.
If, after registering, you are unable to attend, please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket via Humantitix to enable others on the waiting list to attend.
In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guests are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.
For any queries please email: studentrep.nziia.wellington@gmail.com
Contact the Wellington branch
FOR ANY WELLINGTON BRANCH AND MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES OR WELLINGTON EVENT INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL
info@nziiawellington.org.nzNote: Students of all degrees are welcome to attend
Description:
What does a career in international law look like? Trade policy, investment disputes, arbitration, and mediation across borders: all facets of a complex, specialised, and highly rewarding field. This panel event, co-hosted with VUWLSS, brings together experts in the field for a discussion set out to demystify international law in practice. The panel will cover the constant evolution of the substance and style of international law work and deliver timely advice for those curious about what a future in the field could offer.
Following a ‘fireside chat’-style conversation, time will be allowed for an in-depth Q&A session, so come with your questions!
Confirmed panelists:
Hon Christopher Finlayson KC
Christopher Finlayson was born and educated in Wellington. After graduating with a BA in Latin and a LLM from Victoria University, he practiced law in Wellington as a solicitor before going to the Bar in 2002.
He was elected to Parliament in 2005 and became Attorney-General and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations in 2008. Mr Finlayson held those positions until October 2017. During his Ministerial career he also held a number of other portfolios. He was chair of the Privileges Committee of Parliament from 2011-2017. He retired from Parliament on 30 January 2019 to return to the Bar.
In 2013 he represented New Zealand in the International Court of Justice in a case where Australia sued Japan seeking to stop commercial whaling in the Southern Oceans. New Zealand intervened and Mr Finlayson led the case for New Zealand.
Robert Kirkness
Robert Kirkness graduated with a BA and LLM from the University of Auckland, and has a broad commercial, public and international law practice. He appears as counsel for private clients, State agencies and the Crown in commercial and public law disputes before the New Zealand courts. Robert also acts as counsel for States, corporations and individuals in disputes before international courts and tribunals. In addition to counsel work, Robert serves as arbitrator in international commercial disputes.
Marnie Lloydd
Marnie Lloydd is a leading specialist in international humanitarian law, with over a decade of frontline experience as a Legal Adviser and Delegate with the International Committee of the Red Cross across conflict zones in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Her research examines the international legal regulation of armed conflict, forced displacement and the protection of civilians, with a particular focus on international aid operations, as well as how law deals with foreign fighting and mercenary-related actors. Twice selected as a Global Scholar at Harvard Law School's Institute of Global Law and Policy, Marnie was also recognised as a Women Leader in Law by New Zealand's Borrin Foundation. Her doctoral and subsequent scholarship has received international prizes and distinctions, including an ANZSIL article prize in 2025.
Registrations via Humanitix are required as there is limited capacity - no walk-ups permitted.
Full time students are entitled to free NZIIA Wellington student membership by registering at https://www.nziia.org.nz/membership-form/
One ticket per person. For security reasons each ticket must contain your full first name and surname (that matches your student ID), email address and phone number.
If, after registering, you are unable to attend, please have the courtesy to cancel your ticket via Humantitix to enable others on the waiting list to attend.
In keeping with NZIIA practice, unauthorised recording of this event (either audio or video) is not permitted. Members and guests are reminded to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Conduct.
For any queries please email: studentrep.nziia.wellington@gmail.com
Membership
NZIIA membership is open to anyone interested in understanding the importance of global affairs to the political and economic well-being of New Zealand.