Duncan Cotterill
Business / Trading Name: Duncan Cotterill
Company number: 1983880
NZBN: 9429033144375
Entity type: New Zealand Limited Company (registered 2 October 2007)
Business classification: Legal services (ANZSIC code M693130 – legal service)
Industry Category: Professional services – Full-service law firm
Year founded: 1857
Addresses:
Head Office (Christchurch): Duncan Cotterill Plaza, 148 Victoria Street, Christchurch 8013
Auckland: Level 1, Australis Nathan Building, 37 Galway Street, Takutai Square, Auckland 1010
Wellington: Level 5, Duncan Cotterill House, 50 Customhouse Quay, Wellington 6011
Nelson: 197 Bridge Street, Nelson 7010
Queenstown: Level 1, Craigs Investment Partners House (Building 8), 36 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
(All offices are in New Zealand; Christchurch is home to the firm’s largest office and management base.)
Website URL:
https://duncancotterill.com
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/duncan-cotterill
Company Hub NZ URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429033144375
NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1983880
Social Media URLs:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duncancotterill
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9fyQQVMIdpTi3boVya8VA (hosts firm videos and webinars)
(Note: The firm’s Twitter presence is minimal, with only single-digit followers reported as of 2015.)
Ultimate Holding Company: None (independent partnership-owned; no parent company)
Key Shareholders: The firm is owned by a group of five equity partners (shareholder-directors). As of 2024 this includes Sarah Emmanuelle Townsend (Christchurch), Olivia Jane Lund (Wellington), and Michael Gregory Moyes (Auckland), Brian Michael Nathan (Nelson), and Alastair Ross Holland (Queenstown), (the partnership holds 100% of shares). (All shares are held internally by these senior partners.)
Leadership: Richard Lang – Chair of the Board (Partner, Christchurch); Pete Boyle – Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors also includes senior partners from each office and independent directors (e.g. business figure Bruce Cotterill).
Staff: Approximately 330 personnel in total, including around 48 partners in 2022 (making Duncan Cotterill the second-largest NZ law firm by partnership size). The firm employs 200+ legal staff (110+ qualified lawyers) and numerous support staff across its five offices.
Staff that have held previous government roles: Data Not Found. (No public information was found of current Duncan Cotterill lawyers who previously served as Members of Parliament or in top government positions. The firm’s recruitment tends to draw from private practice and academia rather than former politicians or senior public servants.)
Past Employees: Notable alumni include Scott Moran – a partner of 23 years who led the Wellington office and in 2024 left to found boutique firm Moran Law – along with several colleagues who moved with him. Former partners such as Raewyn Lovett and Jonathan Scragg have gone on to prominent roles in the sports and legal sectors (e.g. boards of sporting bodies and international legal councils).
Clients: The firm’s client base spans government agencies, public-sector entities, listed companies, banks, insurers and a wide range of businesses (from multinationals to SMEs). For example, Duncan Cotterill has represented major insurance companies like IAG on high-profile litigation (e.g. flood recovery claims), and advises foreign investors, universities, construction firms, and local councils among others. (Client identities are typically confidential, but state-sector and industry-leading corporate clients are well represented.)
Industries/Sectors represented: Broad coverage including agribusiness, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing, education, government and public sector, insurance, banking and finance, retail and hospitality (hotel/tourism), technology and IT, professional services, and not-for-profit sectors. The firm is full-service, with specialist teams for areas like environmental law, employment, health & safety, immigration, litigation, corporate/commercial, property, IP, and tax.
Publicly Disclosed Engagements: As a provider of legal services, Duncan Cotterill’s engagements with government occasionally surface in official disclosures. For instance, New Zealand Treasury records show the firm was paid approx. $238,700 in FY2021/22 for legal services. The firm and its lawyers also make submissions on law reform (e.g. commenting on the Lobbying Disclosure Bill’s transparency measures) and appear before parliamentary committees on behalf of clients or professional bodies (though specific lobbying activities are not separately disclosed under current NZ law).
Affiliations: Member of TerraLex, a global network of independent law firms (Duncan Cotterill is TerraLex’s New Zealand member, reflecting its international outlook). The firm is also active in local law society sections and industry groups; for example, partners hold roles in organizations like the Property Law Section, Insurance Law Association, and chambers of commerce.
Sponsorships / Collaborations: Duncan Cotterill positions itself as a community-oriented firm through sponsorships and collaborations. It is a sponsor of the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, lending its name to the “Duncan Cotterill Most Innovative Hi-Tech Software Solution” award category (as of 2020–2025). The firm also donates to numerous charities (NZ$40,000 across 18 charities in 2024) as part of its community impact program. Offices and partners frequently collaborate with business organizations to host seminars (e.g. co-hosting the “Debunk the Myths” investment and legal education events with Forsyth Barr in 2025).
Events (held or organised by this organisation): The firm regularly organises client seminars, legal workshops and panel discussions. Examples include hosting talks on upcoming legislation such as Consumer Data Right reforms, running an annual Graduate Recruitment programme with on-campus events, and partnering in public seminars like the 2025 “Debunk the Myths” series on investing and relationship property (in collaboration with a national investment firm). Duncan Cotterill also sponsors and presents at industry conferences and local business awards, enhancing its public profile.
Political Donations: Data Not Found. (No record of Duncan Cotterill making donations to political parties or candidates as an entity. The firm’s public contributions have been directed toward charitable causes. Any political engagement by individuals at the firm, such as personal donations by partners, is not disclosed in the public domain.)
Controversies: Duncan Cotterill has faced scrutiny on several fronts. In 2018, a sexual assault scandal at another firm (Russell McVeagh) spilled over when Duncan Cotterill hired a lawyer accused in that incident – leading to a public spat over whether the allegations were fully disclosed during the hiring process. The lawyer resigned once the extent of the misconduct came to light. In a separate incident, a former Duncan Cotterill partner was found guilty of misconduct for sexual harassment of junior staff (including a drunken incident in 2017); a tribunal in 2023 censured him for “disgraceful and dishonourable” behaviour. The firm’s handling of the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy also drew comment – Duncan Cotterill claimed nearly $1.5 million under the scheme but, unlike some rival firms, gave no public assurances about repayment. These incidents have raised questions about the firm’s internal culture and transparency.
Other information of note (including Media and Public Profile): Duncan Cotterill cultivates an image as an “enterprising” firm with strong values. It frequently publishes expert commentary on legal developments (e.g. analysis of pending legislation and court decisions) and its lawyers are quoted in media on topics ranging from employment disputes to regulatory changes. The firm advertises its commitment to community and sustainability – for example developing an internal sustainability strategy and touting pro bono work and charitable initiatives. However, observers note that such public relations efforts occur amid the firm’s aggressive growth strategy and high-profile controversies, suggesting a degree of “integrity washing” in its branding. Duncan Cotterill’s long history (over 165 years) and national prominence mean its activities often attract coverage in the legal press and scrutiny from watchdog groups concerned with ethics in the legal industry.
Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: Yes. During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Duncan Cotterill received approximately NZ$1.5 million under the government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme. This subsidy was to support around 240 staff at the firm. While some peer firms later voluntarily repaid subsidies, Duncan Cotterill’s management declined to comment to media inquiries about whether it would repay the funds. As of mid-2020, the firm was listed as a recipient on the Ministry of Social Development’s register, with no public record of repayment.
Sources
[1] Duncan Cotterill: New Zealand (Firm Overview) – TerraLex (Global Legal Network), terralex.org – Established in 1857, Duncan Cotterill is one of the longest established law firms in New Zealand and has grown to become a leading full-service national firm with 5 offices (Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown). Clients include state and public sector organisations, listed companies, insurers, banks, and SMEs across major sectors (agribusiness, construction, education, government, etc.)
[2] DUNCAN COTTERILL LIMITED – Company Details – NZ Business Directory (nzwao.com), nzwao.com – Company No. 1983880, NZBN 9429033144375. Incorporated 02 Oct 2007 as a NZ Limited Company (Registered status). Registered office: Duncan Cotterill, Level 2, Duncan Cotterill Plaza, 148 Victoria St, Christchurch 8013, NZ
[3] Duncan Cotterill Limited – NZBN Company Info – BusinessCheck, businesscheck.co.nz – 1000 shares allotted to 5 shareholders (100% held by one group of 5 individual partners). As of 2025, the shareholder group comprises five Duncan Cotterill partners, e.g. Sarah Emmanuelle Townsend (Christchurch), Olivia Jane Lund (Wellington), Michael Gregory Moyes (Auckland). Directors include Brian M. Nathan (Nelson) and others representing each office.
[4] Duncan Cotterill – LinkedIn Company Profile – LinkedIn.com, linkedin.com – Industry: Law Practice. Company Type: Partnership. Headquarters: Christchurch, NZ. “Full service law firm with offices in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown… 201–500 employees … Founded 1857.”
[5] NZ Law: Duncan Cotterill Promotions Increase Partnership to 48 – LawFuel (Legal News), lawfuel.com (May 5, 2022) – The firm’s 2022 promotions “take Duncan Cotterill’s total partnership numbers to 48, making it the second-largest New Zealand law firm by size of partnership.” Chairman Jonathan Scragg said growth is focused on depth of advice and developing the next generation of lawyers.
[6] Working with us – Our firm facts – Duncan Cotterill (About Us), duncancotterill.com (accessed May 2025) – “Every day, our 330+ people help… across 5 offices.” Firm facts (approximate): 245+ employees, 110+ qualified lawyers, 35 partners (figures likely at time of page creation). (Note: Partnership has since grown; firm had ~48 partners by 2022.)
[7] Major law firm says it has repaid $2.3m in wage subsidies – Otago Daily Times, odt.co.nz (May 2020) – ODT reports Simpson Grierson repaid its COVID-19 wage subsidy. By contrast, “Duncan Cotterill… said the firm ‘won’t be making any comment’… Duncan Cotterill claimed nearly $1.5 m under the scheme.” (The firm was listed as a recipient and as of that time had not publicly committed to repayment.)
[8] Law Firm Verbal Stoush Over Sexual Assault Solicitor – LawFuel (NZ Law News), lawfuel.com (Feb 23, 2018) – Describes a dispute between Russell McVeagh and Duncan Cotterill regarding a lawyer accused of sexual misconduct. RM said it fully disclosed the incident; “Duncan Cotterill beg to differ, saying… the full extent of the alleged assault was not made clear. The solicitor resigned after Duncan Cotterill started making their own enquiries…”.
[9] Top lawyer faces suspension after drunken trip to sex shop with female interns – NZ Herald (Open Justice), nzherald.co.nz (Feb 24, 2023) – Reports on former Duncan Cotterill partner Dean Palmer’s disciplinary hearing for misconduct. In 2017, while working for Duncan Cotterill, during a lunch with interns “a large amount of alcohol was consumed”, Palmer inappropriately touched a female clerk. The tribunal found his behavior “reprehensible… disgraceful and dishonourable.”
[10] New Board Chair For Duncan Cotterill Appointed – LawFuel (Press Release), lawfuel.com (Sep 15, 2022) – Announces firm governance changes. Richard Lang (Partner, Christchurch) becomes Board Chair, joined by new Board members Sarah Townsend (Partner) and Gráinne Troute (Independent Director). They join existing board including Jessie Lapthorne (Partner, Auckland), David Briscoe (Partner, Wellington), Brian Nathan (Partner, Nelson), Richard Smith (Partner, Queenstown/Chch), Bruce Cotterill (Independent Director), Pete Boyle (Chief Executive).
[11] Former Duncan Cotterill Partner Sets Up Boutique Law Firm – LawFuel, lawfuel.com (Apr 1, 2024) – Scott Moran, after 23 years at Duncan Cotterill, launched his own firm (Moran Law). He “led the build of Duncan Cotterill’s Wellington office for the past 23 years”… left in 2024 after almost 23 years. Moran’s new firm includes several former Duncan Cotterill lawyers (named in article) who joined him. Moran is noted as Vice President of NZ Football and a Special Olympics NZ board member.
[12] Duncan Cotterill – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025 (Insurance) – Chambers & Partners, chambers.com (2025 edition) – Band 2 ranked insurance practice. “Duncan Cotterill… regularly represents insurers and their insureds… noted for strong litigation capabilities.” Notable Work: “acted for IAG in recovery proceedings… relating to losses from the 2017 Edgecumbe flooding.”
[13] Official Information Act Response: Treasury spend 2021/22 – The Treasury (OIA Release 20230135), treasury.govt.nz (June 2023) – List of Treasury’s supplier payments. “Duncan Cotterill Limited – NZBN 9429033144375 – $238,733.04” paid by Treasury in FY 2021/22. (Indicates Duncan Cotterill provided services to Treasury in that year, ranking among significant external legal suppliers.)
[14] Duncan Cotterill donates $40,000 to charities across Aotearoa – Duncan Cotterill News, duncancotterill.com (Dec 10, 2024) – Firm announcement highlighting charitable donations. “After consulting our teams… we have donated $40,000 across [18] charities… enabling them to continue their great work in their communities.” (Demonstrates the firm’s public emphasis on community impact and philanthropy.)
[15] Lobbying Disclosure Bill fails but transparency encouraged – Mondaq (Constitutional Law commentary), mondaq.com (Nov 15, 2013) – Article by Duncan Cotterill lawyers Nick Crang & Anne O’Driscoll. Summarizes parliamentary committee’s rejection of the Lobbying Disclosure Bill. The committee “concluded there were better ways to address transparency” than a register. They favored guidelines and voluntary disclosures. The authors note the Bill’s broad definitions would have applied to “all organisations contacting MPs” and could limit free expression. (This reflects Duncan Cotterill’s stance against mandatory lobbyist registration.)
[16] Government Administration Committee – Lobbying Disclosure Bill Report – (Referenced in Mondaq [15]), New Zealand Parliament (2013) – Attorney-General’s concerns included that the Bill could “limit the right to freedom of expression… beyond what is required to regulate lobbyists.” The Committee ultimately recommended not to pass the Bill, aligning with arguments presented by legal submitters (like Duncan Cotterill).
[17] NZ Hi-Tech Awards – Raygun wins Duncan Cotterill Most Innovative Software Solution Award – Raygun Press Release, raygun.com (2020) – Wellington tech company Raygun announced as winner of the 2020 Duncan Cotterill Most Innovative Hi-Tech Software Solution Award. (Duncan Cotterill is title sponsor of this award category, indicating the firm’s support of and visibility in the technology sector awards from 2020 onward.)
[18] Debunk the Myths – with Forsyth Barr & Duncan Cotterill – Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Events, commerce.org.nz (event listing, July 3–4, 2025) – Details a co-hosted seminar series on investing and relationship property law. “Join us for an insightful session… designed for investors and business owners… demystify myths in investing and prenups.” Expert Speakers: Alyce Graf (Forsyth Barr) and Emma Kittelty (Duncan Cotterill, Family Lawyer). (Shows Duncan Cotterill’s collaboration in public financial/legal education events.)
[19] NZ Herald: “Big law firms don’t need this money” – The New Zealand Herald, nzherald.co.nz (May 2020) – In coverage of wage subsidy use, Opposition Leader Simon Bridges criticized large law firms taking subsidies: “Big law firms, like I used to work for, don’t need this money… small shopkeepers and tourist operators do.”. (Though Duncan Cotterill not named here, the remark was made as firms like Duncan Cotterill were revealed as subsidy recipients.)
[20] The Guardian: “The truth about lobbying – 10 ways big business controls government” – The Guardian (NZ edition), theguardian.com (Nov 2018) – While not specific to Duncan Cotterill, this investigative piece highlights how professional services (law firms included) lobby behind closed doors in countries like NZ. It notes the absence of a mandatory lobbyist register allows influence by law firms to go largely unmonitored. (Provides context to the environment in which Duncan Cotterill operates its influence.)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz