David Goodman is a member of
Anderson Lloyd’s Corporate and Commercial Team, advising on commercial, governance and corporate law matters. Below, he talks to
NZ Lawyer about odd jobs, his legal blood – and how there’s one key place in central Christchurch unaffected by the earthquakes…
NZ Lawyer: What inspired you to become a lawyer?
David Goodman: My father was a partner in Wadham Goodman in Palmerston North and my great , great grandfather founded Rhodes & Co in Christchurch and so it's in the blood. The idea of helping people and being exposed to lots of different businesses as a commercial lawyer appealed.
If you had to pick three words to describe a typical lawyer, what would they be?
Helpful, professional and smart. I get a little tired of lawyer bashing. The great majority I know work very hard and are very good at what they do. A sense of humour seems to be a common attribute in the legal profession.
You’re based in Christchurch – what’s your favourite place to visit in the city and why?
I like to run around Hagley Park at lunch time with a friend. It's a great resource and unaffected by the earthquakes.
Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
My wife and I have four boys aged eight to 16 and so a big interest is their sport on the weekend. I also like skiing, travelling, jogging and reading.
Coffee, tea, beer or wine?
Coffee and beer or wine depending on situation - beer in the pub and wine at home.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t a lawyer, I would be…
…an architect definitely. I love the building process and we have built twice to accommodate an expanding family - a very rewarding process, but not for everyone.
What sort of car do you drive?
Audi Quattro Avant – nice to drive , but practical .
Before you became a lawyer, what was the oddest job you had?
I once had a holiday job as a student sandpapering rough edges off freshly-made washing machine agitators at a Christchurch plastics factory.
What do you love most about being a lawyer?
As a commercial lawyer I like the exposure to different businesses and industries. You get to look under the hood and see how the business works. I am doing a lot of work in the irrigation sector at the moment and enjoy the strategic role that a lawyer has in the larger projects. At its simplest level, I think all lawyers enjoy helping and advising clients on their problems, commercial or otherwise.
What would you change about your job if you could?
Deadlines or time pressure. Time pressure can often take the fun out of the job, but it’s the reality.
