Govett Quilliam - The Lawyers

The appointment of two Richards as new partners at Govett Quilliam is a clear signal the firm is dedicated to succession planning, say GQ leaders.

From June 1, family law lead Richard Lyttelton and Stratford team manager Richard Williams moved from being senior associates to partners at the longrunning law firm.

CEO Sophie Braggins and Partner Alice Tocher say GQ has always planned for the future, which is how and why the firm has been successfully operating since 1880.

“Having that continuity is so important,” says Alice. “Succession is absolutely vital and the only way a business can thrive.”

Sophie says succession also ensures those in the leadership team have a diversity of skills, backgrounds and expertise. “That brings a diversity of thinking to a partnership that a modern business needs.”

Richard Lyttelton stepped up to lead the family law team when GQ partner Alex Laurenson was appointed a district court judge.

“In that process, he earned our trust and confidence and it’s really exciting now seeing him come to the leadership group,” says Alice. “He’s got a great background and has continued to build on that in New Plymouth and in a short time has gained the respect of the family law community and, of course, our team.”

Alice and Sophie also have high praise for Richard Williams.

“Again, he’s a highly motivated valuesdriven individual,” Sophie says. “He’s also very client driven through his desire to help people.”

Originally from the UK, Richard Williams has lived in Taranaki for 13 years and become engaged in the social fabric of the community by supporting surf

lifesaving, the Taranaki Retreat and, as an athlete, helped set up a running group to support people struggling with addiction and mental distress.

Richard Williams is humbled and excited to be in the GQ partnership team. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me.”

He studied in Cardiff and Nottingham, becoming a qualified lawyer while working in London for a huge corporate law firm.

In 2008, he emigrated to New Zealand, had a short stint of big city living, before settling in New Plymouth. He then worked for other prominent Taranaki law firms, joining GQ to run the Stratford office, which has a team of 12.

GQ acquired Rod Gordon’s Stratford law practice in April 2022 and needed someone to take over the management role. “It was this amazing, gift-wrapped opportunity to take on a leadership role.”

Richard Williams is enjoying getting to know the people of central Taranaki, but the Welshman with an English accent does have an inroad. “My wife was born and raised in Stratford.”

He met Michelle Mason in 2008 on a far-flung continent. “We were both separately travelling around Africa and met at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.”

Together, they have 12-year-old son Zac.

“I’m extremely values driven and, for me, it drives everything; being kind to yourself and others.” He also lives by a simple rule. “Do what you say you’re going to do.”

When he needs time out, he hits the streets or leafy trails. “Running is my form of meditation, my way of destressing.”

Richard Lyttelton is also a man of action. After showing his leadership skills running the family law team, he was rapt to be shoulder-tapped to become a partner.

“It now means I’m involved in the direction of the firm and bring my knowledge, expertise and ideas to the partners’ table and contribute in a meaningful way to the progression of the business.”

The Christchurch man completed his law degree at the University of Otago in Dunedin. A natural problem solver, Richard Lyttelton took a particular interest in family law. “I wanted to work for every-day New Zealanders and advocate for them.”

In 2013, four days after his last law exam, he started work at a large Auckland legal firm, where he worked in family law. Next, he worked in London, before moving to Taranaki in 2021.

Richard Lyttelton sees family law as a dynamic and complex area of the legal industry. “I enjoy interacting with people on a personal level and enjoy dealing with children.”

He is a court-appointed Lawyer for Child.

“The role of the law is very important; it’s what holds us all to account, ultimately. It’s also where people can find justice for grievances.”

When he’s not in court or in the office, he enjoys tramping and skiing with partner Lily. “It’s very important for stress relief and for physical and mental health.”

And, according to his colleagues, Richard Lyttelton is a fine musician, who plays the guitar and sings.