Mathew Brittingham endured long hours to complete his masters while still delivering for clients
When Mathew Brittingham took on the challenge of studying for his masters of law while still working full time, it was a mammoth task that he said felt like “an impossible mountain to climb.” However, his perseverance through the long hours paid off in spades, and is an achievement he considers the proudest of his career.
Today, the tax expert leads Finlaysons’ private wealth and family business practice, and he always aims to keep his clients’ interests in mind. His favourite part of the job is basking in the glow of having successfully assisted clients in a variety of matters.
In this interview, Brittingham talks about the recent focus on international tax in his practice area, delivering quality service to clients in the COVID-19 environment and how he developed his interest in law.
What made you choose a career in law?
Having a background in business, and having to deal with legal issues on a daily basis, I took a keen interest in how the law impacted on business decisions. From there, going into tax law was a natural progression as it combined business with abstract legal concepts suited to my more mathematical side.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the recognition you receive from clients for a job well done, particularly where you have assisted their business to grow, saved it from ceasing to exist or saved them a significant amount of money!
What is going on at the firm? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?
We have in recent weeks moved to brand-new offices after 30 years, which has been a very exciting and challenging time for the firm. In recent times, the area I head, private wealth and family business, has developed a particularly strong focus on international tax with some great outcomes being achieved for clients.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
My proudest accomplishment in my career is completing my masters of law at Sydney University whilst practising full time. During this time, the combination of study and work was often all-consuming and felt like an impossible mountain to climb. However, hanging in there and pushing through the long hours made the achievement of successfully combining both very rewarding.
Recently, I have been proud to secure some fantastic results for clients, and their repeat instructions.
What should the profession and law firms focus more on?
I believe that it is imperative to focus on client service and aiming to achieve results that meet client needs, even if that means advising clients that a matter should be brought to a close at the earliest possible opportunity. If a firm provides good service and achieves outcomes in the interests of clients then the rewards will come.
What has been the biggest challenge you and your practice has faced amid the pandemic?
There have been lots of challenges this year, with the advent of COVID-19. COVID-19 has shown that firms must remain nimble and flexible to adjust to disruption, both in respect to work practices and in delivery of service. The biggest challenge our firm faced was being able to deliver the same quality of service and delivery standards to clients whilst staff members were working remotely. Our firm was able to continue to meet those standards. However, it required a complete team effort, not just from the fee earners, but also from our support staff, work room, HR, marketing, and IT, to ensure this happened. We were fortunate enough to have a total firm buy-in.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
In the coming year, I look forward to continuing to build and improve the team and develop the way we practise so we can keep providing high-quality service to clients in an ever-changing and complex environment.
