Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation Announces 2026 Women Leaders in Law Fellows
- Deborah Manning has been selected to receive a $50,000 Women Leaders in Law Fellowship to develop and test a transdisciplinary framework for professional judgment and practice for New Zealand lawyers. Drawing on expertise from law, psychology, philosophy, professional supervision, and AI ethics, her project aims to strengthen professional judgment, ethical decision making, and sustainable legal practice. Building on more than 25 years of legal practice, teaching, and supervision, Deborah intends to develop practical concepts and approaches that support lawyers to navigate complexity while promoting both good practice and wellbeing. Deborah is a barrister at Landmark Chambers, Senior Lecturer at AUT Law School, and founder of The Good Practice Company.
- Susan Rowe has been selected to receive a $23,916 Women Leaders in Law Fellowship to undertake a PhD in Psychology at the University of Canterbury, researching evidence-based approaches to preventing mental health risks in legal workplaces. Her work aims to develop New Zealand’s first psychosocial risk management tool for legal employers by identifying the organisational and cultural barriers that prevent proactive approaches to wellbeing. Following completion of her research, Susan intends to translate her findings into practical guidance and training for legal organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand. Susan practised as a lawyer for 27 years, including a decade as a litigation partner, before commencing doctoral study.
The Honourable David Goddard KC, Chair of the Borrin Foundation Grants and Scholarships Committee, says:
” The Women Leaders in Law Fellowship supports women who are current or future leaders in the legal world in Aotearoa New Zealand. This year, we are pleased to award Fellowships to Deborah and Susan, whose projects aim to equip New Zealand’s legal profession with better tools to support ethical practice, professional wellbeing, and healthier workplaces.”
Upcoming Individual Funding Opportunities
The current round of applications for Borrin Foundation postgraduate scholarships and Travel and Learning Awards is now open and will close at 12pm on 1 September 2026.
This round includes:
• Borrin Foundation Te Pae Tawhiti Postgraduate Scholarship
• Borrin Foundation – Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Postgraduate Scholarship
• Travel and Learning Awards
Applications for Borrin Foundation Fellowships open annually in March.
Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here: https://www.borrinfoundation.nz/fellowshipsawards/
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MORE INFORMATION
The Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation was established in 2018 through a $38 million bequest by the late Judge Ian Borrin. It is a philanthropic organisation which supports legal research, education, and scholarship. The Foundation’s current strategic areas of focus are the criminal justice system, family law and access to civil justice.
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