Where I clerked:
Duncan Cotterill has five offices across New Zealand in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson and Queenstown. I clerked in the Wellington office for three months over summer in 2023/2024.
The work culture:
My time at Duncan Cotterill has been incredibly enjoyable. From day one, people from all levels of seniority have been warm, friendly, and approachable, which I’ve come to realise is a defining aspect of Duncan Cotterill’s culture. Throughout my clerkship, everyone has made a conscious effort to make me feel a part of the team, whether through casual coffee chats or keeping me informed on recent matters.
The people:
The formal and informal support systems at Duncan Cotterill ensure that every clerk feels valued and comfortable throughout the whole summer. You get a buddy and supervising Partner in each rotation who regularly checks up on you and your workload to ensure you are kept busy. The informal support at Duncan Cotterill is unparalleled. I was immediately welcomed into the different teams in my rotations, which made it easy to approach anyone with questions when needed.
The work:
Throughout my time at the firm, I was involved in a diverse range of legal work in the litigation/ public and commercial rotations. What stood out was that all members of the team would try to involve me in current matters and take the time to provide context and guidance to ensure my understanding and contribution to the matter were meaningful. In litigation, I was involved in discovery and legal research, which gave me practical insight into legal proceedings. In corporate and commercial, I was involved in research, contractual drafting, aiding with settlements and reviewing documents for clients. Both rotations, albeit short, have given me a better idea of which areas I would like to pursue.
Social events:
The firm also demonstrated its commitment to integrate clerks into as many social events as possible. The clerks got involved in weekly indoor football matches with other firms, which was a great chance to socialise with people from different areas of the office. We also organised a social tennis event for the whole office, and attended the team and firm Christmas parties.
Overall:
Overall, my time at Duncan Cotterill exceeded my expectations. It was a highlight meeting my fellow clerks and forming great friendships and connections within a welcoming and inclusive firm. The opportunity to engage in a diverse range of legal work, coupled with the support received from all levels, contributed to my ability to learn so much in such a short period of time. I recommend this clerkship to anyone who is curious about a career in commercial law and wants to get involved in exciting matters.