Sri Lankan-Born Lawyer Sumudu Thode Recognised Among New Zealand’s Elite Women

Sri Lankan-born criminal defence lawyer Sumudu Thode (née Basnayake) has been recognised among the women influencing New Zealand’s legal profession through her work in criminal defence and access to justice.

Thode serves as Vice President of the Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand and is a co-host of the That’s Just Criminal podcast. She has specialised in criminal defence throughout her career, handling serious and complex cases.

A graduate of the University of Auckland with conjoint degrees in Law and Commerce, Thode now leads Thode Utting & Co., one of New Zealand’s leading legal aid providers by earnings. She holds the highest Provider Approval Level, PAL 4, allowing her to represent clients in cases carrying maximum sentences of life imprisonment.

Her work includes jury trials, parole hearings and appeals before the High Court and Court of Appeal. She is also listed for Auckland and Northland PDLA services and assists people held in police custody.

Thode was among the legal professionals recognised in New Zealand Lawyer’s second annual Elite Women list, which highlights women whose leadership and contributions have made an impact on the legal profession.