As predicted by LawFuel, the “raid” on an Auckland firm has taken 11 lawyers, including three partners, from Auckland law firm Fortune Manning.
The move significantly expands Christchurch-based Duncan Cotterill’s Auckland presence as the firm prepares to move into its new offices in the Queen City.
The Duncan Cotterill announcement said that partners Paul Smith, Rob Coltman and Geoff Turner join Duncan Cotterill from Fortune Manning effective 1 March 2016.
The moves involves 11 staff, which Duncan Cotterill said will substantially add to the insurance services practice.
The lawyers’ arrival follows the recent internal promotion of four new partners to the firm, including Aaron Sherriff to the litigation team.
Duncan Cotterill chair Richard Smith says, “This move marks an exciting stage in our growth. We now have an 11 partner Auckland office and one of the largest litigation teams in the country. It reflects our commitment to enhancing our existing capabilities by bringing in the best people, with the right skills and attributes.”
Already working closely with Fortune Manning on a day-to-day basis, the Duncan Cotterill team has established a strong professional rapport with the new partners.
“Geoff, Rob and I feel that our practice is a good fit with Duncan Cotterill, on both a personal and professional level,” Paul Smith says.
“We were attracted to the firm due to its exemplary reputation, geographic footprint and scale, and the move will afford us the support and infrastructure to better serve our clients, while retaining the high level of personal client service we value.
“Our familiarity with the Duncan Cotterill team and close understanding of its client base will make for a smooth transition. We are confident our new affiliation will serve us and our clients well,” he says.
Duncan Cotterill’s current premises in the CPO Building in Britomart will host the expanded team until the whole office relocates to the historic Australis Nathan Building in October.
“Our Auckland office is going from strength to strength in what is a very competitive market. An important factor in the selection of our new premises was room for expansion. We’re excited about bringing that to fruition and offering a great environment for our clients and staff,” Richard Smith said in Duncan Cotterill’s release.
The move slims Fortune Manning to a four-partner operation.
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