David Graham
AKL
Summary
Skilled solicitor offering expertise in employment law with experience in legal research, writing and analysis. Demonstrates strong comprehension of complex legal issues with the ability to effectively communicate and advise clients. Notable impact achieved through successful resolution of numerous cases by implementing sound legal strategies. Possesses exceptional negotiation skills, critical thinking, and abilities. Displays thorough professionalism in all interactions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Solicitor (Full-Time)
Employers & Manufacturers Association
07.2023 - Current
- Partner with member clients from various industries to provide pragmatic and cost-effective solutions on all employment related matters
- Provide general employment related compliance and advice through to strategic risk management of complex and contentious matters, including: personal grievances, settlements negotiations, post-employment obligations, restructuring and redundancy, discipline and performance management
- Skilled at building and maintaining positive relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders
- Provide skilled advocacy and representation at mediations
- Actively collaborate on developing new products, processes and service offerings
- Deliver internal legal support, including reviewing commercial service agreements and providing general business advice
- Contribute to EMA Member Briefings, including drafting articles and presentations
- Present weekly videos aimed at providing case law updates to member clients
Employer Advisor (Full-Time)
Employers & Manufacturers Association
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Advised employer members on employment relations, human resources, legislative compliance and delivering practical solutions on a wide range of employment issues
- Chief Editor of EMA’s weekly Employer Bulletin responsible for managing the editorial team, summarising cases of interest, and collating and allocating cases to the AdviceLine team
- Managed Member Guides, including updating and creating new ones
Editor and Digital Content Creator (Part-time Volunteer)
Public Interest Law Journal New Zealand
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Peer reviewed and edited submitted articles, including suggestions for expression style
- Source checking to ensure veracity of all referenced material and propositions were accurately represented
- Created web-based content for the Journal’s LinkedIn profile, including editor biographies, short articles on legal news, case summaries and industry developments
Support Staff/ Clerk (Part-time Volunteer)
Waitemata Community Law Centre
01.2019 - 08.2019
- Undertook legal research and administrative support for senior lawyers
- Assisted in drafting legal opinions, client letters, affidavits and court submissions
- Observed client interviews and created case file notes
- Provided information to clients in areas such as: employment, family, tenancy and minor criminal matters
Teaching Assistant/ Workshop Leader (Fixed-term)
AUT Law & Arts Faculties
06.2015 - 10.2017
- Law Faculty (2017) - Delivered weekly workshops for Legal Systems LAWS501, Constitutional Law LAWS503, and Legal Reasoning and Writing LAWS509
- Arts Faculty (2015 –2017) - Delivered weekly essay workshops for various1st year papers
- With both faculties, I devised and facilitated activities aimed at peer interaction, course material engagement and improve students’ critical analysis and reasoning
- Assisted in developing assignment research and exam revision skills
- Reported to program leaders for ongoing feedback, leadership and communication development
Production Assistant (Contractor)
South Pacific Pictures
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Undertook various administrative tasks, including managing communication between studio departments, weekly cash flow expenditure, and preparation for client meetings
- Transported staff, equipment and confidential information to and from various locations
- Assisted various departments as and when required including opening and locking up of studio
- Prior to2012 I travelled for several years working within the hospitality industry
Education
Institute of Professional Legal Studies
01-2022
Double Degree LLB (First Class Honours) & Arts - English and Media Studies
Auckland University of Technology
01-2021
Certificate of Fitness & Personal Training -
Auckland University of Technology
01-2014
Skills
- Effective and creative problem-solver with commercial awareness
- Pragmatic and cost-effective client service
- Exceptional interpersonal skills working with diverse clients and colleagues
- High level research, writing and analytical skills
- Thrive on active collaboration and building trusting relationships
Accomplishments
- 2016-2020 Various academic awards and activities – see LinkedIn for a complete overview.
- 2017-2019 Mentor to first year law students.
- 2017-2019 Te Aro Ture Māori Law Students Society education leader and exam tutor.
- 2017 Selected participant for Common Purpose’s Global Leadership Summit.
Hobbies and Interests
Sport & Fitness, Social indoor and outdoor Football (2017-current);, Club member/ player: Te Atatu AFC (2015-2016); Waitemata AFC (2000-2014), Waitakere United Youth Academy (2006-2007)., Performing Arts/ Languages, Various voice-over work, soundbites and skits for radio (2015-2018);, Various TV & theatre acting roles (2000-2008);, Spanish: spoken and written (Intermediate level).
Publications
“Trade Marks at the Intersection of Reappropriation Function and Freedom of Expression: A New Zealand Perspective” co-authored with Dr Lida Ayoubi (NZULR December2022): https://www.nzulr.com/current.htm
Timeline
Solicitor (Full-Time)
Employers & Manufacturers Association
07.2023 - Current
Employer Advisor (Full-Time)
Employers & Manufacturers Association
09.2021 - 06.2023
Editor and Digital Content Creator (Part-time Volunteer)
Public Interest Law Journal New Zealand
06.2020 - 06.2021
Support Staff/ Clerk (Part-time Volunteer)
Waitemata Community Law Centre
01.2019 - 08.2019
Teaching Assistant/ Workshop Leader (Fixed-term)
AUT Law & Arts Faculties
06.2015 - 10.2017
Production Assistant (Contractor)
South Pacific Pictures
10.2012 - 01.2015
Institute of Professional Legal Studies
Double Degree LLB (First Class Honours) & Arts - English and Media Studies
Auckland University of Technology
Certificate of Fitness & Personal Training -
Auckland University of Technology