Firm says appointment reflects the focus that has brought the firm success
Clayton Utz has picked Bruce Cooper as its next chief executive partner.
Cooper succeeds Rob Cutler on 1 July 2020 and will serve a three-year term.
A longstanding leader of the firm, Cooper became a board member in 2013. A year later, he was appointed as an inaugural deputy chief executive partner along with Kate Jordan.
Chairman Steve O’Reilly said that the appointment reflects the recognition that the firm’s success is centred on a focus on clients and people, an area Cooper has played a key role in for the firm. As deputy chief executive partner, he had particular responsibility for clients and markets, as well as the international aspects of the business.
“Bruce is well-positioned to lead Clayton Utz into its next stage of growth in what continues to be a competitive legal market,” he said. “Over the past few years, he has been at the forefront of initiatives to embed a true client service culture within the firm, has strengthened our international relationships which has led to strong revenue growth, and introduced truly unique and engaging experiences for our people and clients such as the Clayton Utz Art Partnership.”
Clayton Utz is an Australasian Lawyer Employer of Choice 2019 firm. The firm is confident in the next chief executive partner’s “ability to strengthen further Clayton Utz's reputation and market position through his vision,” O’Reilly said.
O’Reilly also paid tribute to Cutler for his contributions to the firm. “The board thanks Rob for guiding the firm successfully through its past five and half years of strong growth in ever-changing market conditions. He has been an exceptional leader who we know will continue his able contribution to the firm's success when his term as chief executive partner ends on 30 June,” he said.
Cooper joined Clayton Utz in 2010 after more than 12 years as a partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. He was in several leadership roles at the Magic Circle firm, including as head of its finance group in Asia from 2007 to 2010.
Clayton Utz just recently announced that eight senior lawyers will join its partnership on 1 January.
Bruce Cooper
