Bell Gully partners Anna Buchly, Rachael Brown and Sophie East recognised in Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2026

22 October 2026

The annual list recognises outstanding female leaders from across the legal profession in Australia and New Zealand.

Bell Gully Chair Torrin Crowther said:

“Anna, Rachael and Sophie are highly respected by clients and across the wider profession. Each has earned this recognition through their exceptional expertise, dedication and commitment to excellence. We're incredibly proud to see their contributions recognised in this way.”

Anna Buchly is a leading corporate lawyer, advising on mergers and acquisitions, public takeovers and schemes of arrangement, private equity transactions, capital markets matters and joint ventures.

Rachael Brown specialises in public law, Māori legal issues, employment law and health and safety, and is recognised for her expertise across complex legal and regulatory matters.

Sophie East leads Bell Gully's litigation and dispute resolution practice, advising clients on significant commercial disputes, class actions, and regulatory investigations.

This recognition reflects the breadth of expertise, leadership and exceptional client relationships that Anna, Rachael and Sophie bring to Bell Gully and the wider New Zealand legal profession.


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