Plunger coffee: 'Tea lady' is replaced by a fancy new coffee plunger. Lawyers were forced to become independent and make their own coffees and teas (the audacity!)
Landlines and cell phones: Landlines were on desks and cell phones were given out to select staff.
Tie: Paul gets a visit from a trendy 'hotshot' Wellington Lawyer who doesn't wear a tie – realises ties are out now and casual Fridays gradually become a thing.
Carparks: Off-street parking with a view becomes a novelty for staff and clients - The real office VIPs.
Parties: Once the new, swanky function space opened up (a bold move for lawyers back then), the parties kicked into high gear. But as for what went down at those events... well, let's just say some secrets are best kept under wraps. Mum's the word!
Govett Quilliam has always had strong roots in the rural community, and their longstanding relationship with Geoff at Deem & Shearer made for a perfect partnership. The merge in 2004 was so seamless, there was no paperwork involved - No contracts, no lawyers (except for them, of course), just a good old-fashioned handshake!

It was a union that reflected the values of hard work, genuine connection, and the occasional chuckle, proving that sometimes the best deals don't need to be written down.
Paul and Geoff's friendship ran deep, shaped by years of shared experiences, from partner meetings in New Plymouth to friendly Friday settlements. Geoff made the trip out to Inglewood, either to work or to challenge Paul to golf—though who had the upper hand is still anyone's guess! Together, they built Govett Quilliam's rural hub, with Geoff at the helm and Julie, his dedicated PA, running things behind the scenes. Their partnership was more than just business; it was about connection, trust, and a few lighthearted rivalries along the way.

Let's not forget Paul's wife Kaye was a consultant at Deem & Shearer -
An ulterior motive for the merger perhaps… (but don't pass that on to HR).

Paul hosted a 1-hour talkback radio slot every week. He had 'pretend' clients lined up in case no one called but surprisingly, it was quite a success!
A trip down memory Lane
Govett Quilliam landed in hot water with KiwiRail for this shot. In hindsight, taking photos on a railway track probably wasn't the best idea!
Paul proudly stepped in as the auctioneer for the Christchurch Earthquake fundraiser evening.
He even auctioned off a live chicken!
Entries to Govett Quilliams 2011 photography competition roll in by the hundreds with word spreading to the Taranaki Daily News. Partners Lauren Wallace, Ross Fanthorpe, and soon-to-be Partner Alice Tocher with sunset photo winner.
Soon-to-be Partner Troy Wano with best portrait winner.
A running theme in the Govett Quilliam office was the magnitude of celebration and distraction every time Taranaki wins the Ranfurly Shield!
A running theme in the Govett Quilliam office was the magnitude of celebration and distraction every time Taranaki wins the Ranfurly Shield!
They carried that pride with them to the 2012 Fieldays - a bold impression of Govett Quilliam's Rural Team in amber and black, enough to get noticed by passersby and the Taranaki Daily News.
A team shot from the 2012 Fieldays
One final rooftop hurrah for the Taranaki community at 1 Dawson Street as Govett Quilliam hosts the Chamber Business Connections.
It was quite the party
Take a lighthearted trip down memory lane, revisiting the quirky, unexpected moments that made Paul's time at GQ as unforgettable as it was successful.