FAREWELL FRANKLIN

After nearly 40 years at GQ, partner Paul Franklin is swapping commercial contracts in Taranaki for the cobblestone streets of Putignano in southern Italy.

On December 20, Paul will retire, closing the chapter on a career built on consideration, quick-thinking, and resilience through strong relationships.

Paul joined GQ in 1985 when he and now wife Kaye McKenzie moved to her hometown of New Plymouth after two years in London. They met at Grafton Hall as teenagers and studied at Auckland Law School. He grew up in Morrinsville.

Heading to New Plymouth, Paul applied for three jobs and was offered all three. But one came with an unpalatable company car – a Skoda.

“A Skoda in those days, it wasn’t regarded as a prestigious vehicle,” he says.

Instead, he and Kaye bought a purple Mini. When Kaye needed the car, Paul hitchhiked, often getting rides from “clients and other lawyers – you couldn’t be too discerning.”

Paul began his GQ career working for partners Ross Fanthorpe and Noel Walsh, splitting time between residential conveyancing and family law, before focusing on the latter. He represented children in court and worked closely with organisations like Women’s Refuge and the Marriage Guidance Service, where he became chairperson.

His first case as Counsel for the Child took him to Westport, where he stayed in a hotel and experienced a Sunday lock-in. Like in the song Hotel California, Paul couldn’t leave, so chose to enjoy the hospitality.

The next morning he faced a marriage separation case involving a youngster.

“I remember having to try to sober up before I saw this family as a young lawyer representing their child.”

Paul discovered he didn’t enjoy family law (that became Kaye’s speciality), so took time off legal cases to find new premises for the firm.

In the early days, GQ was on Brougham St in offices nicknamed the “rabbit warren.”

A light-well trapped pigeons, whose rotting smell wafted through the building.

Paul led the firm’s move to 1 Dawson St, transforming a rundown shack into modern offices with a sea view. “It was the best thing we ever did, it was great.”

Later, GQ moved to 25 Dawson St, embracing open-plan offices near central cafes.

In 1989, Paul became a partner at Govett Quilliam.

The following year, the firm faced a major crisis, an event they call May Day, when it was discovered senior partner Kerry Irwin had been diverting client funds into a private finance company.

“Irwin left town immediately.”

The fallout tarnished the firm’s reputation, and some clients lost their life savings. At just 29, Paul took over Irwin’s commercial practice.

“I hadn’t done any commercial law at that point, but overnight I became a commercial lawyer,” says Paul. “I inherited his clients, some of whom were damaged by his activities, but most of whom were perfectly fine and happy to continue to be supportive.”

That scandal became a turning point in his career.

Paul specialised in commercial law, eventually tapping into the Taranaki oil and gas industry.

He built relationships, beginning with friend Dennis Washer, CE of Australian Worldwide Exploration (AWE), which started offshore exploration of what became the Tui oil field.

“If you were from a small town like New Plymouth, it was harder.”

GQ briefly opened a Wellington office to increase visibility in the energy industry.

“It was just a matter of rolling up your sleeves and trying to create some credibility. And it paid off. We managed to pick up some other large oil and gas companies.”

Along with AWE, Paul worked for Todd Energy, Shell, and others.

Outside the office, Paul chaired the Relay for Life committee, led the Taranaki Cancer Society, and helped bring the Bell Block velodrome to life.

“When I was admitted to the bar many many years ago in Auckland, I remember the High Court judge saying that as lawyers we had a duty to give back, and that has resonated with me throughout my career.”

Paul echoes those sentiments: “I think if you’re blessed to be in a community or an environment like New Plymouth where you can make a difference, I think you have a duty to do so.”

For young lawyers starting out, Paul’s advice is clear: “Be true to yourself and manage your professional life with integrity.”

Paul and Kaye also have two sons, Samuel, 34, and Hamish, 30.

“Travel has been an important part of our lives,” he says of family trips to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

His favourite place? “Italy of course.”

In June, Paul and Kaye move to Putignano for a fresh chapter, and he goes feeling content.

“I feel truly supported in my decision to retire by the incredible team at GQ. This is the perfect time to step back, leaving the firm in great shape. With a depth of talent, a strong partnership and clear vision for the future. GQ continues to provide exceptional legal services. Our clients are in excellent hands.”

GQ partner Alice Tocher, who co-leads the corporate and commercial team, has worked with Paul for 10 years.

“While we each have our own style and experience, like Paul, we all have in common a commitment to understanding our clients and their legal needs, and work hard to exceed their expectations,” says Alice.