Tiana Epati: Breaking Barriers and Championing Change in the Legal World
Tiana Epati: A Beacon of Hope and Change
Progress is about the collective, not the individual, insists Tiana Epati. In a candid conversation with Stacey Morrison, she delves into the intricacies of change, the challenges she’s faced, and her unwavering commitment to championing the next generation.
Breaking Boundaries and Setting New Standards
Even in the final weeks of her pregnancy, Tiana Epati, the president of the New Zealand Law Society and LawFuel’s 2019 Lawyer of the Year, agreed to an interview and photo shoot. Her reason? To inspire women to see what they can achieve. As the first person of Polynesian descent to hold this role and the only Law Society president to give birth while in office, Tiana is driven by her father’s words: “You must promise you’ll do the best you can, because this profession is too important to be mediocre.”
A Legacy of Privilege and Responsibility
Tiana’s father, A’e’au Semi Epati, was New Zealand’s first Pacific judge. His success instilled in her a belief that she could achieve anything. However, Tiana is cautious about being seen as a symbol of broken glass ceilings for women of color. She emphasizes the need for systemic change rather than individual merit, pointing out the dangers of perpetuating the “Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama trope” of earning success solely through hard work.
The Power of Allies
Tiana credits her allies for helping her become the first Gisborne lawyer to lead the Law Society. She describes a good ally as selfless, knowing when to be quiet and when to speak up. Her speech at Parliament for International Women’s Day highlighted the invisibility of certain women in discussions of equality and pay equity, particularly those with disabilities.
Addressing Systemic Issues in the Legal Profession
When Tiana was elected, New Zealand’s legal sector was grappling with widespread issues of bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination. She broadened the focus from young Pākehā women in large law firms to include all affected groups. A survey revealed that one in three women in law experience sexual harassment, with Asian, Māori, and Pacific lawyers facing higher rates.
Personal Experiences with Racism
Tiana has faced harassment and abuse, with racism being the most traumatic. She recalls an incident at Parliament where her advisor was mistaken for the president. Despite these challenges, Tiana continues to use her platform to speak out against systemic racism within the legal world.
Using Privilege to Lift Others
Tiana believes in using her privilege to lift others up. She advocates for giving up one’s place on a panel to make room for diverse voices. Her reaction to being named Lawyer of the Year was to suggest someone else, but her fresh voice of leadership and positive impact in a tumultuous time were undeniable.
For further reading on systemic racism and allyship, you can visit American Bar Association.
