My areas of Expertise

Specialist Practice Areas

Industry Expertise

Publications

What I like about my work

I enjoy persuading a tribunal (be it a Judge, jury, a mediator, or arbitrator) of the merits of a client’s case. Winning gives me and my clients the greatest satisfaction!

What I’ve done in the past

I started out as a forestry worker in Nelson but that vocation didn’t take root and so I branched out to study law and political science. My initial practice was as a specialist criminal-defence lawyer in Southland. I then focused on fisheries defence work, which involved spending a lot of time in various Courts throughout the country.

With the changes in employment law from the mid 1990's, I become heavily involved as advocate for a number of substantial employers. I have since built on these foundations to widen the breadth of my practice into most areas of specialist litigation.

I became a partner in a Southland law firm in 1989, and joined Anderson Lloyd in 2003. I wanted the challenge of establishing and growing a litigation practice in Queenstown, and helping to expand the Dunedin and Christchurch practices. It’s turned out to be a great move.

My approach to working with my clients

My approach is consultative and collaborative. I like to be able to adopt my clients’ problems and concerns so that they can get on with their lives, leaving me to worry about their legal issues.

I  help my clients to work through the complexities and intricacies of the legal process so that they understand what’s happening to them and why. I then focus on getting the result that’s of most benefit to them, which involves resolving disputes with a positive outcome (including, if appropriate, settlement or negotiation) where possible.

What I enjoy at work

I love having the opportunity to get involved in a wide cross-section of legal work. I work with a great team of high-calibre partners and staff, and have access to fantastic resources.

What I enjoy outside of work

We’ve just built a new home which we’re currently landscaping and developing. I enjoy spending time with my family and heading out on my old Harley Davidson. I also like to travel (58 countries at last count) and, just to prove I am a legal eagle, I have also done over 50 sky-dives.

What I enjoy about living in the South Island

I could never imagine living anywhere else. Having travelled extensively, nowhere I’ve ever been can compare to the beauty and lifestyle of the South Island.