Why did you become a lawyer?
I knew I wanted to become a lawyer when I was eight years old. I made this decision after watching the TV series Hanlon which was based on the cases of Southland barrister Alfred Hanlon. I then set about making it happen and was granted early admission to law school when I was 16.
Why do you specialise in insurance?
I discovered insurance law shortly after my admission to the bar when I was working as a judges’ clerk in the High Court. I have been passionate about insurance ever since. It plays such a critical role in helping people, businesses and communities recover from setbacks. The combination of human and business elements makes insurance an interesting and rewarding field to work in.
Where are you working now and what are some of the jobs you have had in the past?
I opened chambers as a barrister sole in the
Vero Centre on Shortland St earlier this year. I had previously been a partner in the insurance litigation team at
DLA Piper New Zealand.
I have been very fortunate since I became a lawyer 20 years ago to have worked with some incredibly talented lawyers, judges and insurance professionals in many different roles. Some of the highlights for me were working for the solicitor-general in the Crown Law Office while completing my law degree and, more recently, working overseas with the DLA Piper insurance litigation teams in both Sydney and Bangkok.
What job has had the greatest impact you?
The role that I learned the most from was being the litigation manager at
IAG New Zealand.
IAG asked to “borrow” me from DLA Piper for six weeks and I ended up staying for three years. In that role I managed
IAG’s strategically important claims and corporate litigation and a panel of external law firms that were providing claim services to the company. The role gave me valuable insight into what it is like to be the client and I also learned significantly more about the bigger insurance picture than any lawyer could ever learn from sitting in a law firm.
Describe an interesting case you have been involved in?
I worked on an interesting case for the tobacco industry when I first joined DLA Piper in 2006. It was the first personal injury case by a smoker against a tobacco company to go to trial in New Zealand. At the time, personal injury law in New Zealand had effectively stood still since the 1970s due to
ACC and the case helped to shape the law of New Zealand in this area. The case was also unusual because the client wanted the legal equivalent of a bullet-proof Rolls-Royce. That is, of course, exactly what the client got, but it was an unusually expensive approach to litigation.
What do you think the insurance industry needs to be aware of going forward?
I believe that technology will be the biggest issue in both the insurance and legal spheres as the full potential and implications of technology become increasingly apparent over time. Two other major issues for the industry in future will be climate change and increasing compliance costs associated with government regulation.
Who do you see as a role model?
Outside of insurance, one of my key influencers is Sir Richard Branson. I admire Branson for how much work he does to give back to other people. He has shown that it is possible to achieve financial success by passionately pursuing new ideas and placing a real value on people and the environment.
Describe some other interests?
Outside work, my main interest is Muay Thai kickboxing. I have trained and fought in Thailand in the past and I try to go back to Thailand at least once every year. I also enjoy scuba diving and archery when the weather permits.
I’m also devoted to my niece and nephews who live out of Auckland. Going out of town also gives me an opportunity to put my 1972 Colt through its paces. I bought it 17 years ago from the estate of the first owner and it is still in mint condition. I love the mini muscle-car shape, pillarless doors, and horse emblems in all the right places.
I’ve had other cars on the side from time to time over the past 17 years but my Colt has always been a keeper. It has also appreciated in value to nearly 10 times what I paid for it – so it makes sense on every level.
Why are we here?
I believe we’re here to have a human experience, to learn, to grow, to build character, and to help others as much as we can. I value honesty, integrity, courage, common sense, and a robust sense of humour.
Describe some of your quirks?
I love paper. This is an issue as I work in paperless office. So these days I keep my paper and books at home but it does make me very easy to buy gifts for.
One of my favourite books was a gift from IAG. It is an 1873 edition of the Digest of Fire Insurance Decisions in the Courts of Great Britain and North America. It was published in New York nearly 150 years ago and is now my personal reminder of how international and ever-changing insurance law is.
I also appreciate good writing and believe there is a perfect sentence for every occasion. A well written sentence can make my heart sing.
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