The SRB senior associate also talks what propelled her to a career in law – particularly family law
If she had liked science instead of words, Brie Piggott might have been a psychiatrist instead of a lawyer.
She would eventually find her way to family law - a field she enjoys as she's able to help clients through difficult times - and to Saunders Robinson Brown (SRB), where she recently became a senior associate. In the first part of this interview, Piggott shares an important lesson she learned from her first court appearance and talks a beautiful holiday she spent with family.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I initially signed up for health sciences down in Dunedin (Otago University) with a vague idea that I wanted to end up working as a psychiatrist. I soon realised I didn’t like science at all but liked words better, so switched to law. Taking the Family Law paper with Mark Henaghan propelled me in this direction, and I’ve never looked back.
My favourite part of the job is helping family law clients through the most difficult time of their lives and seeing them come out the other side. I also enjoy working in a supportive and fun environment here at SRB!
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
My very first court appearance in the Tauranga Family Court. I was so nervous I referred to my bosses Jodi and Dave by their first names (not good). The judge told me off and said he does not recognise Christian names in his courtroom, and he didn’t have any idea who I was talking about (he did). Thanks Judge Geoghegan for the lesson.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
Attending the intense week-long Litigation Skills Course in Christchurch, where all aspects of courtroom advocacy were broken down. There were drills, exercises, video reviews and critiques, taught by highly experienced lawyers, with the week ending with a mock trial in front of a judge and jury (on defamation, so an area I know nothing about!). This was a great accomplishment, along with my recent promotion to senior associate at SRB.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
In January this year, I was on holiday with dad and my brother in Russell in the Bay of Islands. It was a classic New Zealand summer day, we ate breakfast at the campground, swum, read, drunk great coffee and margaritas and ended the day with fish and chips on the beach. A simple day, but rare amongst the usual hustle and bustle. While floating in the ocean, Dad said “This is paradise. One of the best days I’ve ever had.” And I agree.
