It’s a million times better to be middle class
Lady Deborah Chambers KC, one of New Zealand’s most prominent trust litigation and relationship property lawyers, has built a career on the “big complicated cases.” At 65, the legal powerhouse provides a candid look at the distance between her current life in Remuera, Auckland, and her white-working-class origins in Glenfield.
Growing up in a State Advances house, Chambers recalls a childhood where money was virtually non-existent. She describes stressful grocery trips where her mother had to remove items from the trolley at the checkout and sometimes skipped meals to ensure there was enough food for everyone.
Despite the financial strain, Chambers describes her upbringing as a happy one, rooted in a supportive community where children played together without hedges. She recalls the “absolute performance” of catching a bus every two hours just to visit the beach, as her family did not own a car.
The Path to Professional Power
The shift away from her working-class roots began with a university bursary and a $10-a-week “dump of a flat” in Parnell. During this formative era, Chambers embraced punk rock, feminism, and the Labour Party, joining the Princes St branch.
While she remains socially liberal and continues to value “fair play,” her political views have evolved. She no longer believes the left holds a monopoly on knowing how to achieve the best outcomes for people, though her heart remains tied to her family’s Labour-voting roots.
The High Stakes of Divorce
In her professional practice, Chambers focuses strictly on high-value, complex litigation, which commands a significant hourly rate. She avoids the role of a counselor, instead directing clients toward psychologists to handle the emotional fallout of separation.
She views divorce not merely as a tragedy, but as a period of transition and “enormous growth.” However, she notes that for those who are not well-intentioned, the process is often driven by greed, a desire for control, or the need to “get back” a partner through their wallet.
Chambers admits that her own personal experiences—including being married twice and navigating her own divorce—made her a more effective lawyer. She describes the “nightmare” of waiting in purgatory for funds to be released, a process that took about a year.
Gender and Financial Literacy
The legal landscape has shifted for women, according to Chambers. While “traditional wives” from eras with lower divorce rates often suffered the most, younger women are now better educated and more aware of the need to protect their financial positions before marriage.
She observes a dichotomy in how women handle settlements: some adjust happily to a reduced lifestyle, while others, who have never managed money and relied on credit cards, may exhaust large settlements quickly.
The Cost of a Lifestyle
Chambers is open about her preference for the middle-class life, stating It’s “a million times better” than the working class because it offers more freedom and experience. She finds great pleasure in travel, fashion, and the ability to shop without worry.
This philosophy extends to her parenting. She encouraged her two adult daughters to pursue creative paths like flower arranging or writing, provided they understood the direct connection between their career choices and their future standard of living.
Looking Ahead
Having previously been married to the late Sir Robert Chambers KNZM QC, a Supreme Court judge who passed away in 2013, Lady Deborah continues to be driven by the competitive nature of the law. She expresses no intention of retiring, citing her love for her colleagues and the act of helping people.
As she continues her practice, she remains objective about the risks of the courtroom, warning clients they could lose, while maintaining a personal drive to win. It is likely she will continue to focus on the most complex trust and relationship property cases in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Lady Deborah Chambers to focus on “big complicated cases”?
She focuses on these cases because it is where her skills are strongest, and she notes You’ll see not many people capable of performing that specific type of complex work.
How does Lady Deborah Chambers view the emotional side of divorce?
She is not trained as a counselor and pushes clients toward psychologists for emotional support, allowing her to focus on the legal disputes regarding children and money.
What are the primary drivers of conflict in divorce cases according to Chambers?
She identifies control, greed, hurt, and the desire to maintain a specific “public face” as the main motivations for those who are difficult during the divorce process.
Do you believe social mobility is still as accessible today as it was for previous generations?