We’re delighted to welcome Seth Green to the Arnold Dallas McPherson team in our Bendigo office. Originally from regional New Zealand, Seth brings fresh perspective, strong community values, and a deep commitment to supporting injured people—especially those living in regional areas.
We sat down with Seth and gained an insight into his journey, passions and the experience he brings to our firm.
Q&A with Seth Green
What led you from growing up in regional New Zealand to pursuing a career in Personal Injury Law in Victoria?
Like many Kiwis, after University I wanted to start my legal career across the pond. After an unexpected detour during a road trip in Victoria, I came across Bendigo and found many wonderful similarities to the former gold mining settlement city I studied in. From there, I knew working in Bendigo was an easy decision.
How did your time studying law at the University of Otago shape your approach to clients and personal injury law?
I studied law in a jurisdiction with a broad no-fault statutory compensation scheme for personal injury without entitlement to sue for common law damages. This provided me with a vastly different background understanding of personal injury compensation and gave me genuine sympathy for those navigating the numerous personal injury compensation schemes that exist in Victoria.
You also spent a semester at the University of Melbourne—what perspectives did that add to your NZ legal foundation?
My time studying in Melbourne gave me a great crash course into the differences between New Zealand and Australia, especially the different political and legal systems.
You’re passionate about advocating for young people who are injured. Where does that passion come from, and what do you hope to achieve in this space?
As a relatively young person, and somebody who worked throughout high school and University, I know the value of dignity in one’s work, and the importance of the legal safeguards there if something goes wrong. I hope to do what I can for young injured people to get their life back on track so they can have a dignified and brighter future.
During law school you were heavily involved in student life—from running social events to directing the Law Revue show. How have those experiences shaped you professionally or personally?
Being heavily involved in student life taught me the importance not just of the academic side of the law, but also the equally as important soft skills like people management and long-term planning. Writing and directing the law revue show, for example, has shaped my understanding of how a case is like a show, with a long-term goal, critical early planning, and numerous stakeholders.
You also gained experience clerking at a suburban law firm in Auckland. What were some of the key lessons from that role that you bring into your work today?
South Auckland is known as the most linguistically and culturally diverse area of New Zealand. Working at a suburban law firm in South Auckland gave me a great exposure to how a diverse workplace really makes an impact when interacting with clients from all types of backgrounds. This same experience informs my core belief in regional service here in Bendigo for regional clients.
As a newly admitted lawyer and active member of several professional associations, what are you looking forward to achieving in your first year with the firm?
For my first year in practice, I am most looking forward to both sinking my teeth into all the different corners of personal injury law, as well as starting my own practice and finding out what type I lawyer I am!
Outside of work you enjoy being active, bouldering and listening to political and current-affairs podcasts. How do these hobbies help keep you balanced and complement your work as a lawyer?
My numerous active and less active hobbies help me by letting me get out of my head after a long day or long work week. My active hobbies keep me physically sharp and give me an excuse to be with my friends, while my other interests keep me up to date with how the world is moving and what that means for my practice.
