He challenges the misconception that lawyers just spend most of their time arguing
As a lawyer, Edward Eisdell-Moore’s goal is always to be the kind of lawyer who’s commercially minded and pragmatic, helping his clients to confidently make decisions by simplifying issues for them. For him, much of what lawyers do is about “translating complexity into clarity”.
Last week, the DLA Piper partner told NZ Lawyer about the “incredibly humbling” and fulfilling pro bono work he does; in the second half of this interview, he challenges a major lawyer misconception and bringing the global experience back to Kiwi businesses.
What’s one misconception you think people have about lawyers, and how would you correct that misconception?
A common misconception is that lawyers spend most of their time arguing or looking for ways to complicate things. In reality, the best lawyers I know – and the kind of lawyer I always aim to be – are commercially minded and pragmatic, and spend far more time simplifying issues so that clients can make confident decisions. Much of our role is about translating complexity into clarity, rather than clouding issues with legal jargon.
What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
Access to justice remains an important challenge for the legal profession. High legal costs can be a barrier for many people, and legal aid resources are limited. In response, the Framework for Collaborative Pro Bono in Aotearoa was launched by a number of firms, including DLA Piper, in November 2024. The Framework provides a unified pro bono structure for firms to share ideas, resources and expertise to support people who would otherwise struggle to access legal help. At the same time, the profession is also adapting to rapid technological change, which is reshaping both how legal services are delivered and what clients expect from their advisers.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the rule of law worldwide?
It certainly feels as though the rule of law is under increasing pressure in many parts of the world. New Zealand, remains in a much stronger position than most. We consistently sit near the top of global rankings for institutional stability and transparency. That places an important responsibility on lawyers and the wider legal system to maintain public confidence and continue to uphold strong professional standards.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
Continuing to work on complex technology and data projects. Being part of a global firm provides exposure to developments and challenges that are emerging in other markets, which is both professionally interesting and valuable for local clients. We get pulled into projects that most NZ lawyers don't get the opportunity to touch.
But what excites me is bringing that global experience back to Kiwi businesses, which are scaling faster and thinking bigger than ever, and they want advice that matches the pace and ambition of what they’re building or procuring.
