Growing up in Lower Hutt, Ben attended St Patrick’s College in Silverstream, before going to Victoria University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1988.
After graduation, Ben worked for the firm now known as ARL Lawyers for two years before heading off overseas. On his return, he worked for a private practice in both its Wellington and Porirua offices before joining ARL Lawyers again in 1995, where he became a Director in 1997.
Ben enjoys practising the law. He particularly enjoys making his clients’ legal issues go away with the minimum of fuss and cost.
Ben also holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies with a major in Dispute Resolution. He is an associate member of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.
With already extensive experience in civil, leaky home and employment mediations as an advocate, Ben can provide independent mediation services to legal firms outside of ARL Lawyers, to accountants and other outside agencies.
Ben served on the Board of Proprietors at St Patrick’s College Silverstream for 15 years, with 10 years as Chairman. He is also a member of Te Awakairangi parish and in the past has presented a legal lecture for those attending the marriage preparation courses organised by the Wellington Catholic Diocese.
Ben is married with three children. He is a member of the Lower Hutt Tennis Club, where both he and his extended family have had a long association. Ben likes to watch rugby, mow lawns and cook barbeques. He also enjoys large family gatherings.