Why did you become a lawyer?  

I was largely influenced by a family friend, a lawyer, to study law. I had worked holidays in his suburban law firm and really enjoyed what I saw of legal practice.  He became a mentor whilst I was at law school and in the early part of my career. Legal study suited my academic strengths.

I was certainly more suited to a legal career than the Building degree course which I started at UNSW, straight after high school, and from which I dropped out after 6 weeks or so!

Why Moray & Agnew?  

I graduated from University of Sydney in 1981 and attended College of Law in the first part of 1982. There was a surplus of legal graduates at the time I was interviewed by Brian Agnew during my final exams at law school.  I was not confident of securing a lawyer role. Brian was a singularly impressive individual and was very enthusiastic about Moray & Agnew and the type of work that might be offered to a graduate lawyer. I jumped at the offer when made. Moray & Agnew was then a firm of about 15 lawyers including partners, so we all knew each other in a welcoming work environment. 

I was further fortunate in being allocated to work directly with Brian. He was an innately perceptive lawyer, a strong individual with clear rules about how to conduct legal practice and an outstanding thinker and businessman. He was respected by clients and legal colleagues alike. I feel I thrived under his guidance.

I was exposed to work well above my experience levels and presented opportunities to be involved in many interesting matters. Brian and the other partners (including Michael Pitt and Steve Harris who are still with the firm) were always available to bounce problems off and I found that team approach suited my own style.

I have always worked in insurance law. The exposure to people and problem solving in that area has always brought me satisfaction professionally and personally.

What do you enjoy outside work? 

Legal practice can be consuming, so activity outside work quite unrelated to work has been a priority.

My wife, Dawn, has been with me throughout the Moray & Agnew journey.

We have enjoyed travel, particularly in the last 10 years or so associated with golf. For both us golf has become somewhat of a passion. I am the second best golfer in my household!

Sport and fitness has always been an interest for me with skiing and, as I have mentioned, golf, being family favourite activities over the years.

I am also close to my two adult children, one a lawyer working in government and the other a professional in health services.

Three words that sum you up 

Optimistic

Committed

Happy