The firm's partnership chair also explains why Auckland was the chosen city
Parry Field Lawyers recently took a major step forward by opening its fifth office in Auckland. This, according to partnership chair Paul Owens, signalled the firm’s growth over the years.
In this interview, Owens explains to NZ Lawyer why Auckland was the city of choice for the expansion and reveals to us who will be leading the charge at the new office.
How did the firm come to the conclusion that the time was right to expand further?
It was a reflection of the recent growth the firm has experienced – going from a team of 25 a little over a decade ago, to now almost 100. With this, we have been increasingly serving more clients from across the country and it is important for us to be accessible to them with a physical presence in our largest city.
Why was Auckland chosen as the city to expand into?
We see being present in Auckland as an opportunity to continue to support more clients – both valued existing and new – particularly in our key practice areas of commercial, property, disputes, and Impact law.
What particular gap in terms of services do you feel the firm is filling in Auckland?
Auckland is an important hub for many for-purpose organisations. Our Impact team are highly experienced and recognised for their work supporting and advising charities, churches, and not-for-profit organisations. This is an area of expertise for Parry Field Lawyers and we are committed to continuing to serve our clients well while striving to have a positive impact.
Special counsel Anna Rosevear is presumably working from the new office – will she be leading the new office, and who else will be joining her there?
Anna will be leading the work on-the-ground in Auckland, supported by several of our 11 Partners who are spending regular time in the city. We will be continuing to grow our Auckland staff, who will be backed by our dedicated team across our other four locations.
What are your expectations from the Auckland branch?
Our expectation is that we will be more easily accessible to clients – we want clients to feel that they can call on us at any time and so being closer to them is important. It is also important to us that we are providing them with service that is pragmatic, practical, and grounded in what is best for them.
Should the firm decide to expand further, what areas/cities are you eyeing as the next location?
Our focus is currently on Auckland and the ongoing growth of the firm in our offices in Christchurch’s CBD and Riccarton, and our regional offices in Rolleston and Hokitika. Auckland is an important milestone for Parry Field Lawyers and our commitment is to our clients and serving them well.
