New Partner Appointed To Flagship Christchurch Office
Duncan Cotterill has announced the appointment of Ben Tothill as a partner in its Christchurch office.
Ben Tothill took up his partnership position this month with Duncan Cotterill, which is one of the oldest and largest
legal firms in the South Island.
Ben Tothill gained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Otago in 1988. Since then he has been practising law in
Christchurch and has built an extensive wealth of knowledge and considerable experience, primarily in the commercial,
aviation and agriculture areas of law. Ben also holds the rare title of being a notary public for all of New Zealand.
The main focus of Ben’s commercial work centres around acquisitions, joint ventures and commercial contracts in the
tourism, aviation, research and development industries. In addition to other general commercial work he has also dealt
with lease and license issues in national parks, reserves, Department of Conservation estates and several ski areas.
Ben Tothill also has strong links to the agricultural sector as director and legal advisor for a number of significant
farming entities.
The law relating to not-for-profit organisations including societies, charitable bodies and incorporated trusts, is
another area in which Ben Tothill brings considerable experience to Duncan Cotterill. He was recently involved in the
amalgamation and merger of five racing industry bodies and is a director for the Christchurch Winter Carnival Trust and
the Canterbury A Association.
In making his move to Duncan Cotterill, Ben Tothill is looking forward to building on his interest in aviation work. He
has already worked on advising companies in relation to international and national aircraft purchases, sales and leases
and in relation to airport leasing and licensing matters for a significant national air operator.
“I enjoy working in the aviation field and would like to continue to build on my experience in that arena, while
continuing my commercial and agricultural focus. I am excited about joining Duncan Cotterill’s Christchurch team and the
opportunity its large national and trans-Tasman office network offers” says Ben Tothill.
Duncan Cotterill Business Development Manager Neville Bamford says the entire partnership is delighted that Ben Tothill
has decided to join the firm.
“Ben’s extensive experience and knowledge will be very valuable. We are very pleased he has chosen to further his career
with our firm,” says Neville Bamford.