Gerard has practiced law for over 30 years and is a Partner at Downie Stewart, Lawyers, Dunedin.

He has extensive experience in business, trusts, relationship property and general property matters. Gerard lectures Business Law at the University of Otago. He is a director and shareholder of Bradley Nuttall Otago financial management and a Director of NZ Law Limited, one of NZ’s leading association of independent legal practices.

Gerard was a nationally ranked Squash player and subsequently Chair of Squash New Zealand and then the World Squash Federation. He also currently Chairs the World Squash Disciplinary Commission and Doping Hearing Panel. He is married with two young adult daughters. He has a particular interest in eating disorders as it has affected people close to him.