The Parry Field partner encourages lawyers to "stay creative in all we do"
For Steven Moe, it all began with a desire to make an impact. He wanted to contribute to addressing major societal issues, and one of the ways he has done so is to shift his focus as a lawyer towards helping "for purpose" businesses and charities.
In the first part of this interview, the Parry Field partner, who was among NZ Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyers for 2024, talks about reinventing his legal career and staying creative as a lawyer.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I wanted to have impact and being a lawyer means you can input on big societal issues through supporting clients doing good or submitting on new legislation - or even get involved in startups yourself! For example, I’m chair of Community Finance, which has raised more than $200m for social housing.
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
Reinventing my career to focus on impact and purpose after 3 years at one of the largest NZ firms in Wellington then 11 years at an international firm with 8,000 staff in London, Tokyo and Sydney. It was hard work but almost a decade later I’m so grateful for the chance, and now work with about 15 in our impact team at Parry Field Lawyers (we have about 100 total staff) supporting hundreds of ‘for purpose’ businesses and charities.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?
Releasing The Apple Tree, a picture book for children with a message for the adults who read it about life and legacy. I’ve sold (and given out) about 4,000 copies now.
It’s really important as lawyers to stay creative in all we do. For me that involves having multiple side projects - another example is Seeds, my podcast now with 442 hour-long interviews with inspiring people. I’ve done that weekly for 8 years.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
One of my grandfathers, Emilio Clare, was Panamanian and I only met him once age 12. He died soon after, so I’d like to meet him then when we were in Panama, but as an adult. I’d ask him questions about his grandparents who helped build the Canal, and his life as he had a fascinating role as a professor in Panama.
