When you’re in the middle of an argument with someone, it’s pretty easy to get hot-headed and lose sight of what’s in your best interests. When that happens, let me tell you, you need Glen’s voice in your ear.

Even-handed, cool, calm and collected are all words you could use to describe Glen. He is an excellent advocate.

Glen is a Partner at White Fox & Jones in Christchurch, has worked in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, and is what lawyers would call a “civil and commercial litigator”. But he knows that might not mean much to those who haven’t been admitted to the bar. What Glen gets to do every day is help people out when they’re in a bind.

His work and specialities are broad. Here are some examples of what he can do:

• You’ve loaned some expensive equipment to a business which has gone into receivership, and you’re struggling to get the equipment back (i.e. a personal property dispute).
• You’ve purchased a property or business, only to find that what you have received is not what you were promised (i.e. a contract or fair trading dispute).
• Someone who owes you money is refusing or unable to pay, and you want advice on how to go about recovering as much as you can as soon as possible (i.e. insolvency/debt recovery action).
• You’re being asked to attend a mediation because somebody is saying your business has breached a contract and is seeking compensation.

Glen’s also got plenty of experience with assisting people whose land or buildings have suffered the effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes.

Glen is all about being an advocate for people seeking information and justice. And we know first-hand that he’s passionate about new ways Kiwis can access it.

“I’ve joined Consensus because in this changing business and legal environment, I want to be available and accessible to clients who need my assistance in ways that are comfortable and convenient for them. I think it is important that we demystify the lawyer-client relationship as much as possible and ensure that clients are not afraid to ask for help, and understand how much that assistance is likely to cost them.”

Each Solicited Story ends with five questions:

Consensus: If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
Glen: I have a love for both complex problem solving and creativity. When I was a child I wanted to be either an airline pilot or a musician.  If I could combine those two things I think I would be happy! But I love being a lawyer, and I think as lawyers we do get to solve complex problems through creativity; so perhaps I’m in the perfect job after all.

Consensus: An example of something that intrigues you about your areas of law?
Glen: There is really no limit to how we can solve disputes – save for ensuring the resolution is lawful of course!  If you go to Court, there is usually a very narrow range of options the judge can impose; sometimes, only one.  But if we settle a dispute, we can really do that in a huge variety of ways, which can produce, in some cases, a “win-win” if we think outside the square.  That keeps us on our toes thinking about how we can find such solutions.

Consensus: Do you have a memorable moment when you got a client a great outcome?
Glen: There are many memorably moments in legal practice, but I think the one that sticks out most was negotiating a settlement – very close to trial – for a small business owner whose business had been severely affected by a supplier terminating their contract.  I had got to know the client well over the course of the case. Through settlement we were able to get what had been a very difficult trading relationship back on track, and it continues to this day. It was a good example of an outcome that you could never have achieved if the case had gone to trial.

Consensus: How will the legal profession be different in 10 years’ time?
Glen: That’s a difficult question, and I frequently find myself critiquing those who try to predict the future with too much confidence! Without being too specific then, I think technology will continue to have a big impact, but I also think it will work in opposing directions.  On the one hand it will increase efficiency in legal work in some areas, particularly those labour intensive aspects. On the other hand, partly due to technology the world is becoming more complex and more regulated every day, all of which increases the need for people to have access to good advice. I think the way we interact and provide service to clients will continue to evolve as that need rises.

Consensus: An example of how practising law can be fun?
Glen: For me, it’s all about the people you meet. In my practice, not many weeks go by in which you don’t meet someone new and have an opportunity to help them with something that is very important to them. It might sound odd, but to me that’s a combination of responsibility, challenge and fun.  I think the best results are more likely to come when I view my work in that light.

We know it doesn’t feel good when you’re having trouble with something legal. You want the best result for yourself, your family or your business, but you also just want to have it over and done with and move on. Glen should be on your side in that situation to get you where you want to go – not your opponent’s. Post your job today and don’t miss out!