Mike Gould
Mike helps people resolve business and life issues with decades of insight.
Mike Gould helps businesses and individuals navigate employment, commercial, life planning and trusts with clarity, confidence and care. Known for his straight-talking advice and decades of experience, he supports clients with restructures, personal grievances, shareholder issues, contracts and life planning. Many have worked with him for years, and across generations.
He has appeared before the Employment Court, the Employment Relations Authority, and in numerous mediations. A career highlight was acting as lead counsel in the landmark Lord of the Rings case before the Supreme Court, which helped define the legal test for contractor versus employee status in New Zealand.
Alongside his commercial work, Mike continues to support a loyal base of private clients with wills, family trusts and life planning.
A former Partner at Gibson Sheat, Mike joined the firm in 1985 and played a major role in shaping its employment and commercial practice. He served for many years as the firm’s Risk Partner and continues to mentor others in the firm.
He is a Life Member and former Board Member of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, and has volunteered with Cricket Wellington, the Citizens Advice Bureau, and the Employment Law sub-committee of the Wellington District Law Society.
Outside work, Mike enjoys time with his wife and family, a round of golf and getting lost in a good book.
