Erin Cairney

Erin Cairney is the Knowledge and Information Manager at MinterEllisonRuddWatts and the New Zealand Law Librarians Association president. Erin talked to LIANZA’s Angie Cairncross about being a law library and information specialist. Erin has worked in law libraries for over 20 years and studied through the Open Polytechnic, completing her Bachelor of Applied Science Information and Library Studies in 2004. “Completing diplomas along the way was a great stepping stone and a way to see if that was the path I wanted to take at the start of my studies.” As a lifelong learner, Erin has certificates in records management and an introduction to law paper.

She regularly seeks out professional development opportunities. People learn on the job in specialist library settings, says Erin. So, you don’t necessarily need law qualifications. But the paper she did consolidated what she had learned in her first five years in a law librarian role, so it was useful. Being the president of the NZ Law Library Association is an amazing volunteer role.

“We have about 100 members working in libraries within law firms, courts, universities, legal chambers, and government agencies.” In her role at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Erin manages a small team that ensures the staff in the two offices in Auckland and Wellington have the legal and business information resources they need. “I manage the budget and several different suppliers, which involves reviewing system use, talking to people about how they are using and getting the information they need and keeping up-to-date with what’s happening in New Zealand and globally. Because that impacts the type of legal work that we do.

“New starters and law graduates are trained in using information tools, many of which are subscription-only. Erin really likes working with people to problem-solve when they have information access issues, or it’s taking a long time to get the information they need. Erin did not plan to work in law libraries. “When I finished high school, I thought I might become a teacher but didn’t end up applying. So, I thought I would work for a year as an office Junior.” After a year, Erin was approached about a library assistant role at the law firm.

“I’m always telling people you don’t know what you don’t know. So, if you’re curious and love news and current affairs, law library and information work could be the place for you.” While a law library might differ from a public or school library because of its specialised content and confidentiality regarding legal matters, there are also similarities. “All these libraries are about access to information, building relationships, and working with people.”

When asked what she liked most about her job, Erin said the variety.

You don’t know what you’ll get asked each day, which might scare some people. The law impacts society and is for everyone. It’s dynamic and constantly changing. That’s why I’ve been in law for over 20 years.”

“There’s so much we’ve got to know—legal tech and generative AI. It makes us look at how we do research, train people, and validate answers, especially in law. We need to be aware of Tikanga Māori and the courts and the Te Ao Marama framework that is being introduced into courts. And there’s also climate change litigation—law is an interesting sector.”