This is an article from the NZ Lawyer mag which can be accessed over here and part two of it here.
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 Lawyers 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.
How would you describe the core of law to the next generation of lawyers?
I’ve enjoyed a new phase of speaking at events where I am meeting lawyers and encouraging them to think of their careers as opportunities to serve. That can be done without abandoning creativity, their individuality or their spirituality. Being a lawyer can be a vocation, not just a job – that means it’s also a call to action! Don’t fall for a lie of work/life balance – how shallow a conception. Instead embrace work/life integration.
I’m about to release a book called The Circle all about this and my reflections on work. Sometimes I hire the grads and other lawyers I challenge on this to join our growing impact team as well as we are in a major growth phase!
What should the profession focus more on?
Collaboration – let’s get out of a competition mindset and work together across firms more.
What challenges are particularly pressing in the country’s legal industry?
If how we measure success is tied to billable units we set our junior lawyers up for stress filled days and mental health issues. We need to alter the definitions and reframe how and what we measure and define as success. This is not easy and I’m still working out what the alternative looks like, but I’m confident it exists.
What are your thoughts on new technology and its impact on the legal profession?
These are just new types of tools like we have had in the past. No point in fearing them, learn how to use them. I’m now instantly transcribing all my podcasts and generating summaries in seconds to create social media posts and articles – it’s amazing.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
Meeting the purpose-driven clients I haven’t had the chance to support yet. I’m based from Christchurch but most of my clients are nationwide across the whole country.