Martin Kingston prioritises collaborative working as he takes the reins at the litigation firm
If there’s one thing Martin Kingston wants to be known for as he steps into his new role as Rose Litigation Lawyers’ COO, it’s that he was the guy who got things done.
The former HopgoodGanim Lawyers COO and CRO places a high value not just on compliance and risk management, but also on working collaboratively with his peers to realise not his personal vision, but the firm’s vision.
In this exclusive interview with Australasian Lawyer, Kingston talks about how the beach was a factor in him taking his new position, what he’ll bring to the table from his time at HopgoodGanim, and how he likes a good chat.
After such a long tenure at HopgoodGanim, what made you decide to work with Rose Litigation Lawyers?
A significant driver of the move was a desire to make a lifestyle change and the opportunity to work in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast was the perfect fit. The role at RLL not only provides the work balance but allowed me to continue to utilise the skills I have acquired over the past 34 years in a highly professional and sophisticated, albeit smaller firm.
I am also a very values-based person and the representations of the RLL values made by the partners resonated with me. It is great to say after one week it is clear the product matches the label. Being close to the beach also influenced the decision.
As the new COO, what is your vision for Rose Litigation?
The partners of the firm already have a very well-developed vision for the firm that they and the staff live and breathe every day. My role is to help them achieve that vision and the associated growth they have planned.
What initiatives are you most excited about advocating for?
I have always had a strong focus on compliance and risk management, and I see that continuing at RLL. Sometimes the eye can be taken of the ball on these matters in pursuit of growth so I would like to ensure that RLL are able to achieve their growth targets while maintaining the exceptionally high standards they have for their work. It is also important that they can meet the requirements of their clients who themselves are now more focused on their own risk and compliance obligations.
How do you plan to work together with the firm’s other leaders to achieve your vision?
It is not about “my” vision but “our” vision so anything I do will be undertaken in a very collaborative way. Anyone who knows me would say I like a chat so I will spend time in both the Brisbane and Gold Coast offices talking to not only the partners but the emerging leaders and all staff to understand how they work and what they want to achieve at RLL. Once I understand these drivers, I believe I will be in a position to deliver on the firm’s vision, and support and enhance their client and employee values propositions.
What in your opinion is the most important thing you’ve learned from your time at HopgoodGanim, and how do you plan on putting it into action at Rose Litigation?
Never underestimate the value of a strong leadership on the culture of an organisation and the role everyone in the organisation has in nurturing it.
What are you hoping to be known for in your tenure as COO?
Firstly, getting things done. Secondly, I derive a lot of personal satisfaction in watching people achieved their personal and professional goals particularly where I have been able to help them on that journey in some small way – that’s enough for me.
