DLA Phillips Fox law clerk Bradley Sam tells us why having Chinese parents meant he had three career options and about playing indoor netball outside of work
DLA Phillips Fox law clerk Bradley Sam was recently selected by the NZ Chinese Association to attend 2014 Dragon 100. The theme of 2014 Dragon 100 will be on entrepreneurship and social innovation and will be held in Hong Kong. Sam is one of 100 young people globally who were selected to attend. He takes five to tell NZ Lawyer what makes him tick.
What made you decide to become a lawyer?
Having Chinese parents basically meant I had three career options: doctor; lawyer; or accountant. Being a doctor or accountant didn’t really appeal to me, so I chose to become a lawyer. Seriously, though, I find law stimulating and I enjoy using it to help clients achieve their goals and make strategic decisions.
How long have you worked at DLA Phillips Fox for and what brought you to that position?
I initially summer clerked at DLA and enjoyed the work and the people, so I decided to come back and join the Corporate team. I have been here since March this year.
What’s the strangest case you’ve ever worked on/been involved with?
As part of the pro-bono work DLA is involved in, I helped give some advice to a client in relation to issues arising out of her involvement with a notorious drug dealer in the 1970s. Definitely not something I expected to be exposed to in my first year as a corporate lawyer.
If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Russell Brand – because he’s a funny guy and has some interesting views on the world.
Kobe Bryant – I admire his mental toughness and competitive nature (as well as his basketball skills).
Benjamin Graham – to get some tips from the ‘godfather’ of value investing.
You’re based in Auckland – where’s the best place to go for a drink and/or dinner after work?
Faro – a Korean BBQ restaurant on Lorne Street. Great food, and it’s BYO – what more could you want? You also can’t go wrong with Depot for dinner and Spitting Feathers for cheap beers after work.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (work or personal)?
“You should bill at least 6 hours a day. Every lawyer in Auckland bills at least 6 hours a day.”
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
Representing DLA in Division 4 of the Newmarket social indoor netball league. I also enjoy basketball, snowboarding, and keeping up with what’s happening in the economy.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer…
I would be a scuba-diver, making documentaries of deep-sea life.
If you had John Key’s job for one day, what would you do?
Take a private jet to my holiday home in Hawaii, followed by some golf with Barrack Obama.
What do you love about your job?
Working with and learning from some incredibly talented lawyers.
What would you change about your job right now if you could?
I would give myself a promotion.
