 Following a career as an illustrator and journalist for the "Auckland Star", "New Zealand Herald", and "Auckland Weekly News", in 1952 he joined the Highland Park law firm of Melville Churton, which, in 1962, became Churton Brainsby & Hart.A noted contract bridge player, Brainsby was a member of the Auckland four that won the New Zealand championship on several occasions.He also served as president of the Northern Bridge Club.