The DLA Piper senior associate explains why the work he did during COVID-19 is so memorable for him
For Liam Johannesson, the law is something that applies everywhere, from buying a cup of coffee to going to work. Law, he says, is a glue that holds society together.
He went on to focus on construction law, where he gets to see projects he has been involved in come to life. In the first part of this interview, the DLA Piper senior associate explains how he was able to help clients through the early COVID-19 lockdowns and tells NZ Lawyer which day in his life he would re-live – and it’s not work-related.
What made you choose a career in law?
I chose a career in law because I saw (and still see!) law as one of the glues that hold a society together. Of course, there are many more things that make the world go around – but I was fascinated for a long time before I went to law school about how the law was everywhere. For example, every morning, the law applies to when you get into your car, it applies to the transaction you enter when you buy your first coffee of the day, and it applies when you arrive at your place of work.
What's your favourite part of the job?
This should come as no surprise given my construction practice – I enjoy seeing the projects I have helped clients with come to fruition and being able to visit or go past the sites and see them in action!
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
Over the years I have worked on some great projects with some great clients, so it is difficult to narrow it down. But if I had to, it would actually be the work we did in the early stages of the COVID lockdowns, for clients who were undertaking construction and infrastructure projects at the time. COVID was an unprecedented event and you had to stay on top of developments on an almost 24/7 basis. It was very rewarding to help guide our clients through all the legal implications of the issues that arose.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
Not related to law at all – I would relive the day my son was born. He's almost one year old now, he's an absolute delight and it is true what everyone says – the time really does fly. I would love to go back in time to that day. It was very special.
