Duncan Cotterill boosts Auckland team with three new partners

This is a supplied media release

Leading full-service law firm Duncan Cotterill has elevated three high performing associates to its partnership as it continues to grow its Auckland practice.

Jessie Lapthorne, Kirsty McDonald and Simon Munday will begin as partners this month in a move Duncan Cotterill partner Raewyn Lovett says is a demonstration of the firm’s commitment to supporting and developing its internal team and to enhancing the range of services and expertise available to its clients.

“We’re delighted to have such exceptional talent coming through our ranks. These well-deserved promotions add to the strength and depth of the firm and recognise their significant contribution to the business to-date,” Raewyn says.

Specialist employment and health and safety lawyer Jessie Lapthorne first joined Duncan Cotterill in 2004 and after leaving the firm in 2006 to take up a role as an employment lawyer in London, Jessie returned to Duncan Cotterill’s Auckland employment team in 2013. Jessie has extensive experience advising clients locally, nationally and internationally, on issues arising in the workplace.  Her expertise spans the full spectrum of workplace law, ranging from guidance and advice on day-to-day employment matters, through to dispute resolution and advocacy.

Kirsty McDonald, also an employment law specialist, joined Duncan Cotterill in 2010, after working in the Middle East for four years. Kirsty advises clients across a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, construction, forestry, distribution, transportation and IT. Kirsty has represented a number of clients in the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court and is heavily involved in the health and safety space regularly acting for clients facing prosecution. .

Formerly of Buddle Findlay, commercial property and real estate finance specialist, Simon Munday joined Duncan Cotterill earlier this year. His recent experience includes acting for major New Zealand banks on commercial real estate finance transactions, advising on commercial, industrial and retail leasing projects, construction contracts and property-related joint ventures, in addition to working with developers on large scale residential and commercial property projects throughout New Zealand.

“We are fortunate to have such quality practitioners joining the partnership, bringing their passion and enthusiasm as leaders to the firm,” Raewyn says.

“We now have a 14-partner Auckland office and these promotions reflect our commitment to investing in our teams and advancing the best people, with the skills and attributes that will take us forward.”

Duncan Cotterill has also just announced the appointment of associate Katrina Hammon, who adds specialist expertise in retail, franchising and licensing to the firm.

In October, Duncan Cotterill’s Auckland office will relocate from its current premises in the CPO Building in Britomart, to the historic Australis Nathan Building.

The move coincides with a period of exciting momentum at the firm and will provide space for the expanding team and a dynamic environment for clients and staff.