Squire Patton Boggs partner Carl Black takes five out of his busy day to tell us about strange cases he’s worked on that include payments in diamonds, and the best advice he’s received
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I have always enjoyed solving problems and decided that becoming a lawyer was the most logical occupation for me to do that.
How long have you worked at Squire Patton Boggs for and what brought you to that position?
I moved to Perth and joined the firm that is now Squire Patton Boggs in March 2007. I was lucky enough to possess a skill set that was needed in the market place at that time, and received a lot of support from the platform to grow my partnership practice.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
A property transaction where the deposit was paid in diamonds... My team has never been so interested in looking at the first 10% payment made on a deal.
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Jony Ive, Richard Roxburgh and Roger Federer. My favourite designer, my favourite actor and my favourite sports person. I’d be happy even waiting the table!
You’re based in Perth – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
I’m a big fan of quality Mexican food, and there is a fabulous authentic Mexican restaurant called El Publico just down the road from where I live. The food is awesome and the tequila selection is out of this world.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (work or personal)?
Tackling a big problem is like eating an elephant, the only way to do it is one bite at a time.
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
I play competition tennis and love jazz music. With 2 very active daughters under the age of 3, I am also an expert on Peppa Pig but still have a lot to learn about hoola hooping.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…an architect.
What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2014?
Ensuring the pathways provided to young lawyers enhance their capacity to enjoy a fulfilling legal career amidst an ever-changing landscape of alternative legal practice models.
If you had Tony Abbott’s job for one day, what would you do?
In a time when mining and mining services are trending downwards I would empower all Australian industries to support sustainable growth of Australia’s economy.
What do you love about your job?
Watching the work I do contribute to Perth’s changing skyline, including social and community based venues where I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
I would organise all global teleconferences to align with Australian business hours. Selfishly that would mean more sleep for me and bigger bags under my overseas’ colleagues eyes.
