Insurance lawyer Jonathan Scragg (pictured) has been appointed as the new chair of Duncan Cotterill’s partnership and board, a move which is part of a planned succession to bring in the “next generation” of leadership.
Auckland partner Jessie Lapthorne and Wellington partner David Briscoe have also taken up board positions, joining Duncan Cotterill’s four existing board members.
Scragg says his role will be as a “key support person” for other partners, and will be focused on ensuring that everyone has access to the firm’s resources and expertise across its four New Zealand offices.
He says he will also focus on guiding the firm through a tough economic environment, and on continuing the growth of its Auckland branch.
“Our first priority will be to continue to steer the firm through uncertain economic times,” Scragg commented.
“We’ll be watching the first six months of next year with close interest, as we’re predicting that that’s likely to be a very volatile period.
“We have also been in growth mode pre-COVID and on an ongoing basis, and we’re continuing to look for opportunities to grow the firm, especially in the commercial department of our Auckland office. We’re hoping to attract partners and senior lawyers to join us in that field.”
Scragg joined Duncan Cotterill’s Christchurch office in 2002 following a judges’ clerk role in Wellington, and he maintains strong links across its national network. With a “proven entrepreneurial spirit,” Scragg was instrumental in setting up Duncan Cotterill’s graduate recruitment programme and paid parental leave policy.
He says he will be remaining ‘hands-on’ with client work, and will be looking to continue the firm’s cross-office approach to handling client instructions.
“We want to ensure that our ‘one firm’ approach remains at the forefront of the way we deliver service to clients,” Scragg said.
“We have four New Zealand offices within the firm but we’re one national partnership, and we try to ensure that we offer clients a seamless service no matter which office it comes from.
“We also want to ensure we have various subject matter experts in different offices, so we can work around the firm to ensure the right person is doing the right work for the right client.”
