Q&A with Fiona Seal, 2024 20Twenties Young Alumni Award recipient and Legal Counsel for Rocket Lab
Fiona Seal.
Fiona Seal’s career trajectory has been stratospheric. After graduating with Classics and Law degrees at Otago in 2020, she went on to gain her Master of Laws with Distinction in 2022.
Fiona followed this up with a Master of International Business Law at Panthéon-Sorbonne University of Paris France – she was the first New Zealander to complete this programme and graduated with high honours.
In the space of a few short years, her CV includes being New Zealand’s delegate for the Korea National Diplomatic Academy on the subject of international law and she has worked as a lawyer for the Commerce Commission in the prosecution of unfair trading practices and the regulation of industries such as electricity and gas. Fiona has also spoken on AI and Technology Law at multiple conferences.
Currently she is the Legal Counsel for Rocket Lab, the New Zealand aerospace company.
Q: How did you react when you heard you had received the award, and what does it mean to you?
I was thrilled to hear about the award. It gave me a massive amount of energy, a feeling that I am on the right path and on the way to making a career that might inspire others down the line. It motivated me and made me feel supported, like I was getting the thumbs up from a massive community that I respect.
Hearing about the award gave me a reason to reach out to my friends from Otago and they kindly shared in the celebration with me. It reminded me that the people you meet in uni do life with you, that’s the point and that’s the best part!
Q: What path have you followed since graduation?
After graduating from Otago, I worked for the Commerce Commission then moved into private practice at EY Law. Following some time working, I moved to Paris to study international business law.
I make use of both of my masters’ degrees in my current role as Legal Counsel for Rocket Lab, the aerospace company. Rocket Lab is a mix of everything, technology, international business, corporate work and the soft skills of being an In-House lawyer.
Q: What inspires and motivates you to work in the areas you are involved with?
Space and space exploration makes everyone a humanist. It brings out the best in everyone and makes them the smartest and most kid-like version of themselves.
I work with incredibly brilliant and dedicated people who value my opinion and advice, which is an honour. It is amazing to support a globally recognised company from my own backyard.
New Zealand always seems to punch above its weight, leaving a mark on commerce, science and new ideas of all kinds. Rocket Lab is my chance to be part of the action.
Q: Do you have plans for the future?
My focus now is building up my experience and travelling in my downtime. I love seeing new countries and experiencing other cultures. Perhaps fan the flames of my interest in international diplomacy and politics.
Q: Tell us about the highlights of your time at Otago, and how it has influenced you in your career.
Otago is still one of my favourite places in the world. The place where you become yourself. I met friends I still have and I will never forget what it was like to be a student there, with a city built for you.
Otago is an open place that balances excellence with fun, I carry that into my career. I seek out roles that help me grow as person as well as gain experience and challenge myself. It’s a balance that Otago models beautifully.