Hear from our Graduates

Elizabeth Whelan, Auckland

"I feel like I’ve been working at Duncan Cotterill for years, rather than just a few months – and I mean that in a good way.  Everyone in the Auckland office has been so nice.  And so helpful.  And so fun.  Biggest lessons I have learnt:  1. Commercial law is actually enjoyable.  2. Don’t use smiley faces in professional emails."

Sarah Hobson, Auckland

"Time has flown and being a legal professional has been nothing like I expected...in a positive way! Working in the Auckland office as part of the Litigation team has been fantastic and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at Duncan Cotterill. I have attended Court, client meetings and multiple mediations, as well as tackling a lot of document lists (ah the joys of discovery!) which has given me a great overview of life as a litigator."

Anne O’Driscoll, Wellington

"It’s a pretty sweet deal in Wellington. I get my midday sporting fix twice a week with the Duncan Cotterill netball team and our very exciting new mixed indoor football team. The work side of things is fantastic too. I’ve really enjoyed the range of work from partners doing a great variety of things in very different ways and have been stoked with the opportunities and the positive approach in the team."

Polly Higbee, Wellington

"A Nigella Lawson chocolate Christmas cake and excellent music (you did know Mariah Carey did a whole Christmas album, didn’t you?) were my contributions to our mid-winter party. Things here are great. I’ve enjoyed going to tribunals, court, an all day mediation, and client meetings. Everyone in the Wellington office has been welcoming and friendly to me."

Jacqui Banbury, Christchurch  

"I have spent the last six months in the commercial team, splitting my time between private and corporate. I have enjoyed having a variety of work and am very quickly realising just how much there is to learn! It’s great getting experience practising in different teams this year. It’s hard to know what area you would like to get into straight out of law school – the rotation system here is helping me get a clearer picture of where I want to head.”

Lauren Adams, Christchurch

"My time in litigation did go slightly differently than planned, what with the lack of courts and all... I think I’ve worked with nearly everyone in the Christchurch litigation team, and all have been very helpful and remarkably patient with my never-ending questions. I am also proud to say that I have only had to ‘contribute’ to the litigation fine jar once for writing ‘moving forward’ in an affidavit. The variety has been really good and I have found it all interesting."

Stephen Galbreath, Nelson

"The highlight so far would have to be being admitted – I can finally use my official solicitor’s stamps!  I have enjoyed the litigation taster and my first court appearance.  Also of note was the office trip to Awaroa in the Abel Tasman National Park and the gruelling lunch time runs with some of the others in the office are keeping me honest. I’ve immensely enjoyed “settling in” in Nelson and exploring the many hills, beaches, rivers ... and breweries."

Philippa Kennard, Nelson

"Everyone here has been really supportive. There’s always someone to answer all your questions. The people I work with have made it easy to adjust to life in the office - and life in Nelson. The graduate programme is great, too, with lots of useful information from senior people in the firm and it has helped us to get to know the other grads. On the social side,  I didn’t think I’d be required to read lines from a Mills & Boon novel in my first year working (or at any point really) but I was proved wrong on the trip to Awaroa (part of the ‘newbies initiation’). "