The new partner has been tasked with overseeing Duncan Cotterill’s national immigration practice
Duncan Cotterill has lured immigration star Nicola Tiffen from Anthony Harper.
Tiffen joins the Duncan Cotterill partnership in Christchurch, and has been tasked with overseeing the firm’s national immigration practice.
“Nicola’s arrival as a specialist immigration partner marks a step-change in our immigration practice, acknowledging the significant demand for these services,” chair Jonathan Scragg said. “As Duncan Cotterill continues to grow, Nicola will be instrumental in building our national capability even further and we’re delighted to have her on board.”
According to Queenstown mayor Jim Boult, who attended the opening of Duncan Cotterill’s new Queenstown branch, there was a significant need for immigration support “as New Zealand manages returning tourism from Australia and the pent-up demand for both skilled and seasonal workers,” Scragg said.
In 2018, Tiffen established Anthony Harper’s immigration practice after making the jump from Cavell Leitch. In addition to her experience in New Zealand, she spent nearly a decade in London working on immigration matters with corporates, high net worth individuals and sportspeople, Duncan Cotterill said.
She has guided clients in migrating assets and offices to and from New Zealand. She has also helped to bring in overseas workers and advised on visa and OIO requirements.
Tiffen said that the current border closures due to COVID-19 have spurred a spike in exemption requests and in applications for the extension and amendment of work visas as workers seek to transition to new roles.
“I’m also supporting many individuals separated from children and partners, as well as those who are attracted to invest in New Zealand by our management of the pandemic,” she said. “Joining Duncan Cotterill means my clients and I can take advantage of a wide range of services and advice in one place. It’s exciting to have access to that broad network of support.”
With the addition of Tiffen, the firm’s partnership totals 43.
