The Legal Life – meet Reto Hofmann

10 September 2020

Reto Hofmann is a Special Counsel in our Planning & Environment group, with 15 years of expertise in the planning law jurisdiction.

Reto shares some notable career challenges and his goals for 2020.

Last good book, podcast or film?

Last good book I read was “A Little Life” by ‎Hanya Yanagihara. It was so good I am struggling to find something else that compares.

I have recently discovered “The Rewatchables” podcast which I highly recommend. It provides detailed in-depth analysis of classic “rewatchable” movies.

When it comes to movies I am stuck in the 80s and 90s.

How do you unwind?

Listening to music whilst cooking, trying to play the guitar, going on walks with my wife Elizabeth or watching TV on the couch with my kids.

What have been some of the challenges you faced early on in your career, how did you overcome them?

People couldn’t pronounce my name so I was known by various aliases – Ray Toe or Ray Toffmann being common.

What has been a career highlight?

Every settlement and win at VCAT are a highlight and reward for effort – so there have been many highlights!

What are your goals for 2020?

This is a difficult year to set goals as there has been such a seismic shift. I think it has been a good opportunity to push “pause” on many aspects of my family life, focus on “the now” and appreciate the day-to-day.

What are you looking forward to?

I am really enjoying watching my three children grow up. I am aspiring to be a good dad, parent and provider like my parents have been to me.