Just two months after electing a new executive managing partner, national law firm Clayton Utz has made public that Nick Cooper will be filling the position for the incoming CEP.

In mid-November last year , Lawyers Weekly revealed that the leadership of Clayton Utz would be a battle between CEP incumbent Bruce Cooper and CEP deputy Emma Covacevich. Two weeks later , Covacevich was named the firm's new CEP, having prevailed in a board vote in early December. Now, the law firm has confirmed that Perth partner Nick Cooper will deputize for Covacevich. He will also begin his new role on July 1, 2023.

Clayton Utz noted in a statement that Cooper began his career at the BigLaw firm 19 years ago and currently leads its national commercial litigation practice. He also served as partner-in-charge of the firm's Perth office from 2014 to 2020.

In line with corporate growth

Covacevich also spoke about his alternate, noting that his qualities and experience made him an excellent choice for the position. "Nick is well known and respected both as a lawyer and as a leader. He understands what it takes to build a successful practice, as well as the operational aspects of running a business. He is a strategic thinker, deeply loyal to our firm and, like me, is committed to our continued success," he said. "I look forward to our working together and building Clayton Utz's reputation as a firm that truly understands and responds and adapts to the needs of our clients and those of our people."

On taking on the role Cooper added: "I am honored to take on a senior leadership role working alongside Emma. My approach to leadership has always been based on collaboration, transparency and being true to your values. I am also committed to continuing to foster the fantastic culture we have at this firm and ensuring that our clients' experience reflects the exceptionally high standards we set for ourselves. It is exciting to be part of this next stage of our evolution as we respond to the opportunities and embrace the challenges of being in a competitive legal marketplace."