Rob Macredie: 'Law firms need to invest in both capability and collaboration'

The DLA Piper partner talks the value of "confident humility"

Rob Macredie: 'Law firms need to invest in both capability and collaboration'
Rob Macredie

Rob Macredie grew up with an interest in what he calls "the context of written language", which led him to pursue a legal career. Since then, he has been involved in some of New Zealand’s first utility-scale solar projects, which have paved the way for the current transition in the energy sector.

In this May interview, the DLA Piper partner talks about the importance of "confident humility", and why capability and collaboration are critical to law firms.

 

What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?

I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and the challenge of working through complex issues to arrive at practical solutions. A legal career appealed because it is built upon that interest in the context of written language, which has also interested me from a young age.

My favourite part of being a lawyer is working closely with clients as a trusted adviser – understanding their ambitions and objectives, and helping them navigate change, manage risk and unlock opportunities.

What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?

Advising on the structure, development and financing of some of New Zealand’s first utility-scale solar projects was particularly memorable. These were pioneering transactions at the time and required a blend of legal, commercial and technical insight. It’s rewarding to look back and see how those early projects helped lay the groundwork for the broader transition we’re now seeing in the energy sector.

What's the biggest lesson you learned in your career to date, and what advice can you give fellow lawyers about it?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the value of confident humility. As legal advisers we bring clear answers on legal matters, but we need to remain open and willing to learn more about our clients' business and accepting of challenges to our thinking.

My advice to fellow lawyers is to adopt a flexible mindset when solving legal problems, while confidently sharing your expertise.

What should the profession focus more on?

Developing our understanding of clients at both the business and personal levels.

What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?

Clients are looking for deeper sector understanding and more integrated service delivery – which means law firms need to invest in both capability and collaboration.

What are your thoughts on new technology and its impact on the legal profession?

My general thoughts would be stated best by asking ChatGPT to summarise Richard Susskind's book The Future of the Profession! But many questions remain as to the details of how this will impact our profession.

What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?

I’m looking forward to deepening relationships with clients and continuing to support projects that contribute to New Zealand’s energy transition. There’s a strong pipeline of activity across solar, wind and battery storage, and it’s an exciting time for New Zealand.

I’m also looking forward to working closely with my colleagues across the DLA Piper global network – there’s a real benefit in being able to draw on international insights while remaining grounded in local expertise.

If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?

I'm more focussed on maximising each day as it comes but would absolutely love to replay my wedding day on Waiheke Island a few times over.