Lydia Tawse

Lydia is a Senior Lawyer at Maddens Lawyers.

Since joining the firm in 2024, Lydia has quickly become a valued contributor, bringing sharp advocacy skills and international legal experience.

Lydia holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French and began her career in New Zealand as a Litigation & Arbitration Associate. There, she represented clients at trial in commercial matters, gaining hands-on courtroom experience early in her career. During her studies she received the Meredith Connell Criminal Law Sentencing & Advocating Award.

Her academic achievements continued at postgraduate level. Lydia completed a Master of Laws with Distinction in International Law, earning first-in-class results in International Dispute Settlement, Comparative Health Law & Policy, International Peace & Security, and Comparative Human Rights Law. In 2023, her research ‘An ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Legality of Russia’s Actions in Ukraine’ was published in the New Zealand Yearbook of International Law, reflecting her depth of knowledge in public international law and global legal systems.

Lydia’s interest in class actions is a natural extension of her background in civil litigation, and she brings a thoughtful, analytic approach to large-scale disputes.

Outside of the office, Lydia enjoys playing tennis and staying active.