Throughout the year we will be introducing you to our four directors, giving you an insight into their legal experience and what makes them tick. We start with Nick Earl, who joined Lyon O'Neale Arnold in 2010 and became a director in 2016.

When and where did you get admitted to the bar? 

The Auckland High Court in 2010. It's a very prestigious court with a lot of history. There are portraits of famous judges hanging on the wall and in the press gallery you can see where well-known journalists have carved their names into the wood during high profile trials. I remember the day being symbolic of the end of my legal studies and no more exams! 

How did you get into law? 

As a kid, growing up on a dairy farm, I used to get dragged along to my parents' lawyer's office and I thought it was pretty cool. I thought "people go to see him to get advice - I want to be like him". I suspect it was those early visits that inspired me to later study Law and Commerce at Victoria University. 

What do you enjoy most about being a lawyer? 

Being able to help people with their legal matters. It is a privilege to be a lawyer and have people place their trust in you. 

What makes a successful lawyer? 

This is a matter of interpretation! In my view, a successful lawyer is someone who is happy in their job, can do the work well and has happy clients. 

How do you like to spend your time outside work? 

I follow a lot of sport, mainly cricket and rugby league, and I play twilight cricket and touch in summer. I attempt to keep fit through running and going to the gym, and enjoy fishing, socialising and family time. 

What goals have you set yourself this year? 

The biggest event on my calendar this year will be becoming a Dad! Ash and I are expecting our first baby in May. I guess I will be learning how to operate on half the sleep! 

What's the most recent movie/book that you've seen/read? 

The End Game, by David Baldacci. I particularly enjoy crime thrillers and have read a lot of Michael Connelly's books which are hard to put down. 

Which historical figure would you most like to meet and why? 

John F. Kennedy - imagine the stories he could tell! 

What's something no one would ever guess about you? 

A lot of people laugh when they find out I used to play a bit of rugby and rugby league. Not sure why!