"Many people suggested we open Monday - so maybe I'm fooling myself," said the Otago University-educated lawyer who distinguished himself during 30 years of specialising in resource management law with Queenstown firm Mactodd.
Mr Todd (52) announced his retirement from the firm in February and today begins afresh as G Todd Law with Queenstown registered legal executive, Andrea Gilbert, with whom he worked a decade ago at Mactodd.
"It's Andrea and I to begin with - she knows my faults - and while I will continue to specialise in resource management law, the emphasis of the new firm is general practice, catering for individuals and companies.
"In the past I've had quite a large private client base, because I was committed to doing work with the Queenstown Lakes District Council. Now, I'm looking forward to getting back to working with people directly, both private clients and the community."
He said he will not be taking on criminal law and employment work, but will refer clients to specialists in those areas.
A fear of starting the new firm with "potentially no clients" on day one has been somewhat allayed by encouraging calls from prospective clients, who "want to use my services in the future", he said.
The former AFS scholar said the new venture would be a "challenge" and require a "massive mind shift".
"After having been in a larger organisation, it'll be a steep learning curve in terms of modern technology. No longer can I have the luxury of relying on others; I've got to sit and work it out ... with the odd call to a teenager."
