04 December 2006
Key Points:
Attracted to Brisbane nearly 20 years ago because "it's half-way between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast and it's pretty relaxed", Ian Bloemendal is originally from New Zealand but he feels no divided loyalties - except for the rugby.
"I'll always wear the green and gold, but the haka gives me a thrill and I don't really mind who wins."
As a litigator in our Brisbane office, Ian is used to a full and varied workload. Specialising in intellectual property and information technology disputes, product liability and international law, Ian focuses on working with his clients to avoid disputes.
"If you come early enough you can choose the battlefield, or avoid it altogether. It's about devising strategies to prevent your clients' situation from turning pear-shaped."
"I really like doing that, and the variety of work in my practice. There's different subject matter every time you open a file - one day it could be gas or electricity generation, the next it could be a vitriolic joint venture or simply a dispute over book-binding. You're always learning something new, meeting new people with new problems, and helping them solve them. And it makes you a pain in the neck at Trivial Pursuit!"
While Ian's pretty fond of relaxing on a couch with a good book, cold drinks and gentle breeze, he has one unfulfilled wish.
"It would be a thrill to go sky-diving, but I haven't managed it yet."
So if there's anyone out there with a plane and a spare weekend, give Ian a call.
For further information, please contact Ian Bloemendal.
