2 minute read
Lawyers Contributing to Community Services
Josh McBride and the Backcountry Trust*
Legal work, particularly litigation, can be intense and demanding. Many lawyers seek outlets beyond their professional roles, often finding ways to give back to their communities. These contributions can take various forms - from governance roles and creative pursuits to hands-on involvement in community projects.
Josh McBride, a barrister from Richmond Chambers in Auckland, has found a unique way to combine these elements in his work as a trustee of the Backcountry Trust.
The Backcountry Trust, established in 2014, oversees the restoration of huts and tracks on public conservation land managed by the Department of Conservation. To date, the Trust has supported the restoration of over 250 huts and 1,000 km of walking and mountain bike tracks.
Josh, whose legal practice focuses on construction and technology law, recently attended a Trust board strategy session in Arthur's Pass. The meeting included a site visit to Temple Basin to inspect the Lockwood Shelter, one of the Trust's restoration projects, at 1326m above sea level.
"It was terrific to view the project firsthand and see the practical results of the Trust's hard work," Josh said. "These activities provide a valuable counterpoint to legal practice. And a good walk in!"
The Backcountry Trust's efforts align with a broader trend of legal professionals engaging in community service outside their primary practice areas. Josh and his colleagues at Richmond Chambers believe that by engaging in diverse forms of public service, lawyers can gain invaluable perspectives that enhance their legal practices and deepen their connection to the communities they serve.
The Bar Association encourages its members to consider similar engagements as a means of professional development and community contribution.
