Looking back at the Class of 1994

V.Alum takes a trip down memory lane with former VUWLSS President Matthew Mallett and Treasurer James Gould.

The year is 1994. The Faculty of Law is located in Kelburn, and its Dean is Professor Tony Angelo, a giant in comparative law. Wellington’s student scene consists of coffee in Styrofoam cups and $2 jugs, the Exponents and Ace of Base are ruling the airwaves, and everyone is talking about what happened on The X-Files and Friends. Much is happening in the world, and the Class of ’94 is getting ready to make its mark.

Tell us a bit about yourselves. Where are you from and why did you choose to study at Vic?

Matthew: I’m a Wellingtonian born and bred. My grandfather was a lawyer, and I’m told that from an early age that is what I would tell people I was going to be. I chose VUW because it was close to home. I don’t recall too many people going away to study in my day unless it was to study something that VUW didn’t offer.

James: Pretty much the same as Matt, although my grandfather was not a lawyer. Wellington was a great place to study in the ’90s. It doesn’t feel like 30 years ago.

What was it like being a law student in 1994?

Matthew: 1994 was a great year. Most of us were in our final year and were conscious of making the most of our time before venturing into the real world. Brown Dr Marten boots and jean jackets were in vogue, and we spent many hours solving the world’s problems while sitting on the steps in the Quad. The law school was still on the Kelburn campus and there was no roof over the Quad, so we just had the pigeons and quality banter to keep us warm.

James: We had no social media. It was just before people had mobile phones, other than the odd yuppie with a brick. We relied on fixed lines and faxes, and I can’t remember how we organised ourselves. You just had to be where you said you’d be, usually the Southern Cross [aka Zebos]. Study notes and exams were paper based. Apart from that, pretty similar to current students!

It was 30 years ago that you were President and Treasurer, respectively, of VUWLSS. What are some key memories from that time that have stayed with you?

Matthew: It was great fun heading up VUWLSS. I remember we made a concerted effort to raise its profile and encourage law students to get more involved. James and I were flatting together at the time, so we were able to plan events over a spag bol and Steinlager. Highlights for me included the law ball and toga evening (which were both outstanding successes), the law competitions, and the Australasian Law Students’ conference that was held in Hobart. VUW competed very well that year, winning several of the national competitions.

James: I remember organising this photo on the Hunter Building steps and thinking we’d look back on it in 30 years’ time—well, here we go. We had a great year group and a lot of fun. I have many lifelong friends in this photo. We had some real stars in our group who have gone on to great things in and outside of law. Matt and I proudly managed to leave the VUWLSS balance sheet in a better state than we inherited it!

How did studying Law at Victoria prepare you for your career?

Matthew: My degree provided me with a fantastic platform to pursue a career in law. I think the toolkit that VUW set me up with was invaluable in this regard. I always tell students that practising law is not like studying law. If you think that some of your exam questions are often whacky and left field, wait until you see the fact scenarios that can occur in the real world.

James: Studying law provided an excellent platform with valuable and transferable skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail. I practised law for a few years in NZ and the UK before heading back to do an MBA and pursuing a career in investment banking. I often draw on the skills and experiences I gained through my time in law.

Reflecting on the last 30 years, what advice would you give to your younger selves as they embarked on their legal careers?

man with pale blue tie — **James Gould**

What have been the proudest moments of your career since leaving university?

Matthew: I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing clients over my career, both in NZ and overseas. Working in corporate/mergers and acquisitions has been incredibly rewarding given some of the amazing businesses and individuals that I’ve been involved with. Career highlights have included becoming a partner at Russell McVeagh and, more recently, establishing Mallett Partners with a fantastic group of colleagues.

James: I have been fortunate to work with an amazing range of people and businesses in many different countries throughout my career, from startups through to large companies. My proudest moment has been drawing on all these years of experience and setting up my own business advising companies on strategic transactions—including helping build and (literally) launch a satellite company from scratch.

What other passions or interests do you have outside of the law?

Matthew: I have three fabulous sons who have been very active on the sporting front, so, until recently, a lot of my spare time has been spent on the side of sports fields and rowing courses. Now that they’re older, I’m getting a bit more time to myself. I love going to the gym, fishing, travelling, playing the occasional round of golf, cooking, and reading—though just writing those things down makes me feel old.

James: I married a beautiful French woman I met on the Kelburn Parade overbridge (coincidentally, while recruiting for VUWLSS) and we have raised a wonderful family. Our children are all out of school now, which leaves me more time to pursue interests in music, cycling, travel, and French.

What do you think is the biggest opportunity or challenge facing current law students as they enter the profession?

Matthew: It has been a tough market for students recently, with fewer graduate roles available than in previous years. I always tell students to remain positive though. There are opportunities out there; sometimes you just have to look a little harder and accept that there might be a few rejections along the way. And there is plenty of scope for good lawyers to change roles over time, so don’t be concerned that your first job is necessarily your forever job.

Do you see yourself getting involved with Victoria University again, perhaps mentoring or speaking to current students?

Matthew: I have fond memories of my time at VUW, the fantastic friends we made, and the great lecturers that we were fortunate enough to have. I can certainly see a world in which I get involved with the Law School and students again over time.

James: I’d love to.