The Duncan Cotterill partner shares the three key lessons he's learned throughout his career
Where other people avoid confrontation, Jonathan Aumonier-Ward welcomes it – even though his job is to keep people out of confrontational situations. For him, confrontation highlights an opportunity for change.
In the first part of this December interview conducted shortly after he made the jump to Duncan Cotterill as an IP partner, Aumonier-Ward discusses how having a good friend around made his job transition easier, and what clients’ most valuable commodity is.
When I was 6 years old, I decided I was going to be a lawyer or politician because I “liked” confrontation, problem-solving and advocacy. When I say I “liked” confrontation I mean it usually signalled an opportunity for change. While others saw confrontation as something to avoid, I always saw it as an opportunity for innovation, improvement, and collaboration. Although my career has focused on keeping clients out of confrontational situations, sometimes it is unavoidable. I briefly ventured into politics, serving as vice chair of the Auckland City Youth Council, but ultimately found my calling in law.
My favourite part of the job is undoubtedly the people – both my colleagues and the clients who trust me as their business partner, lawyer, and advocate. It feels awesome when someone I have worked with recommends me to others.
The move to Duncan Cotterill was by far the biggest decision I have ever had to make. After spending over two decades at my previous firm, making the decision to move on was challenging. However, the opportunity to join Duncan Cotterill with my good friend and long-time colleague Kieran helped make the decision a little easier. It would have been twice as hard to move on by myself!
There are three key lessons I have learned:
Getting to know my new colleagues better and having a real opportunity to build something world class here at Duncan Cotterill. We want to continue building a team that clients value and know what we’ve built is making a difference. I want anyone thinking of IP in Australia and New Zealand to think of Duncan Cotterill.
