Bonnie Zareh is a dynamic and successful lawyer with expertise in property, commercial and construction law, and a degree in psychology. We talk to Bonnie about what drives her success.

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Skilled in the art of communication, the psychology of human behaviour and a high achiever in the practice of law, Bonnie Zareh is young, vibrant, driven - and down to earth. 

She recently joined the AWS Legal team in Cromwell.

“All through school I won speech and debating competitions; I had a talent way back, and law was something I always thought about,” Bonnie says. 

“My father was from a privileged family, my mother was not, so I really got into law wanting to help people overcome those sorts of barriers and make law equally accessible to everyone.”

Through her career, Bonnie has managed to find ways to do just that.

“My husband’s from Afghanistan, so I saw first-hand the effect of barriers based on who you are or where you come from.

“I also studied Spanish at school and University, which took me on exchange programmes to Mexico and Spain,” she explains. 

Bonnie says focusing on her family helps to balance a busy legal career. Photo supplied

“I give a lot of free seminars:  first home buyers, negotiating build contracts, wills and enduring powers of attorney - any topics that are meaningful ways I can give back to the community.

“I try to make often-confusing law understandable and relevant - in my view nothing should be in that old, archaic language no-one understands.

“Obviously working for a law firm there are budgets and goals to meet, but there’s always a way to help people and get rid of those barriers at the same time.”

Being a problem-solver for the lives of others is inspiring, Bonnie says, but it’s vital to maintain a balance in her own life.

“Before I started University, I’d reached international level in ballroom dancing; managing studies and travelling internationally with dancing was a challenge that set me up to successfully deal with multiple things at one time.

“I still dance, I love horses and I’ve got two young children - I’ve just started coaching my son’s gymnastics.

She laughs: “I’m not a gymnast, it’s more about all pulling in together to make things work in this community; Cromwell enables you to do that.

“It’s exciting to be part of the buzz of Central Otago - helping businesses grow, helping people with challenges and opportunities, and being involved in the community.

“Everyone’s so positive because so many have chosen to live here - you build a family amongst your friends.

“It’s all cool stuff to be a part of; it’s a privilege.”

Living in Cromwell with no long commute times means she can get involved in things for her family, herself and the community, Bonnie says. 

It’s easier to achieve a personal-professional balance, keep healthy, connected and stay at the top of her game professionally.

Fresh out of law school, Bonnie wanted to be a criminal lawyer. After working with Crown Prosecutors in Auckland and dealing with murder and sexual assault cases, she realised criminal law was not for her.

“I’m very much a diligent, detail-oriented person; it's a transferable skill for all areas of law. I’m also a people person.

“I moved into local government work, acting for Councils on the other side of subdivisions, so I got exposed to good, meaty, high level work early on and gained that experience that makes a difference to my results now.

“The thing I love about law practice here is there’s a real variety of work, and people are just nice and good to deal with here in Central.

“Law is a service industry, like anything else. 

“We’re in the business of people: helping them achieve their goals, walking alongside them when they’re having challenges, delivering for our clients and working how they want to work.”

Bonnie says studying psychology alongside law gave her added insight into what motivates people and the way that people operate in different situations.

“It’s not just about a series of transactions, it’s about the person you’re working for.

“It’s a long term relationship - not just a one-time problem solver, but a trusted advisor.

“I’m a very driven person, and I work really hard - I really will do what it takes to deliver for people.

“I’m also very competitive; if there’s a tussle between lawyers, I do like to win.

“At the same time, I have strong ethics and it’s important to be up front and have conversations early. It's always the best way.

“That balance is what leads to success; most people just want their business to succeed, or their family to be happy - they want things fixed quickly and smartly.

“Success is not always about win-lose, it’s often about getting a win-win.”

Bonnie says as she becomes known for helping break down barriers to accessing legal information, more people are approaching her with ideas for presentations or seminars. 

“I’m about to be part of a series of seminars on the Water Services Bill, it’s something that’s really relevant for people here in Central.

“That’s about saying to the community, we can see changes coming up, let’s have a discussion about them.

“It’s about making locals aware of their rights and obligations.”

Bonnie says it is important never to stop learning, whatever profession you’re in.

“They call it legal ‘practice’ for a reason; each experience, each new situation is something you learn from - that process of learning should never stop.”

Bonnie adds that her high pressure role doesn’t need to mean personal pressure or not being able to sleep at night. To achieve that, she tries to keep work and home life separate.

“At the end of the day, I focus on my family and all the things I’m grateful for.

“That’s the real secret.”