Anderson Lloyd solicitor Louise Trevena-Downing talks all things legal.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
My father is a lawyer practising in Nelson (my home town) and I grew up being exposed to his work. As I got older I was able to help out around the firm and join him in court hearings and mediations, which allowed me to see what practising law was all about, and ultimately, decided to pursue my interest at Otago Law School.
How long have you worked at Anderson Lloyd and what brought you to that position?
I have worked at Anderson Lloyd for one year. I was attracted to the position due to my interest in resource management and the fact that working for the firm would be a great start to my legal career.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
Nothing strange enough to write down as of yet, I'm sure this will change in due course.
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Martin Luther King, Sir Edmond Hillary, and Meryl Streep. Because they are all influential and successful for very different reasons!
You’re based in Dunedin – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
Dinner – Plato, and drink has to be any of the bars in the Octagon with outdoor seating (on a sunny day…)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (work or personal)?
Take every opportunity which comes your way.
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
Skiing/ snowboarding, cycling, running, reading (recreational novels) and travelling.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
Involved in the police force in some way.
What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in New Zealand in 2016?
Climate change.
If you had John Key’s job for one day, what would you do?
Make a drastic change in healthcare funding (increase).
What do you love about your job?
The people I work with, and the advice and opportunities I am given.
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
I would like an extra 20 years of experience…