Welcome aboard Siobhan Patia, our new associate in Amanda Donovan and Jennie Hawker's family team.
We posed some revealing, quick-fire questions to get to know Siobhan better – from what she learned at her first job as a florist assistant to her passion for architecture, UFC, and family law.
WHY LAW?
Law allows me to help people by creating a solution to a problem they need help solving. The more challenging the issues, the more I like to try and make sense of it for the client to ensure they also understand it, while steering them towards the desired result.
WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Getting the best result for a client. That can sometimes mean reaching a resolution outside of court. But, if that means going to a defended-hearing and getting a decision that brings finality to a matter for the client, that’s also rewarding.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT BEING A LAWYER?
Things like court delays and opposing counsel that are too positional on straightforward matters. Plus, not having enough time in the day, but we all know what that feels like.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
When I was 15 years old, I used to work as a florist assistant after school. The store sold and delivered flowers and gift baskets all around New Zealand. It was at this job where I discovered what artisan cheese actually was.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I always wanted to be an Architect. I liked the balancing act of function and aesthetics in building design, but some designs I loved when I was younger weren't too functional. I always dreamed of designing a building that looked like a turtle.
WHAT'S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
To watch the UFC in Las Vegas!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT WORKING AT HAIGH LYON?
I'm excited to work with a great team and learn from the country's two best Family Law practitioners.
