Kott Gunning closes its doors

Perth law firm Kott Gunning ceased trading on Friday after more than 100 years in business, with its partners and staff moving to two national firms.

Kott Gunning has placed a message on its web site advising it has shut down.

“After a long and proud history within the Western Australian legal landscape, Kott Gunning has ceased to operate from 3 December 2021,” it stated.

The message advised clients to contact the Legal Practice Board or search Linkedin to find partners and lawyers.

Kott Gunning had 17 legal professionals, including seven partners, making it the 43^rd largest firm in WA, according to Business News’ Data & Insights.

National firm Hall & Wilcox confirmed today it has recruited Kott Gunning managing partner Emma Leys and her team, comprising special counsel Claire Hawke-Gundill, lawyer Daphne Schilizzi, two paralegals and a legal assistant.

Ms Leys has 25 years’ experience advising clients on property and commercial law while Ms Hawke-Gundill is a private client specialist with 10 years’ experience specialising in wills and estates.

Moray & Agnew has recruited three partners, including Anne Wood, Vidal Hockless and managing partner Stephen Williams.

Ms Wood has updated her Linkedin profile to confirm she is at Moray & Agnew, adding that special counsel Philip Mavor and Brenton Oakley have moved with her.

The trio all work in the local government and planning fields.

Messrs Hockless and Williams work in insurance law.

Kott Gunning traced its origins back to 1919, when Matt Kott commenced as a sole practitioner at Weld Chambers.

He partnered with Bob Wallace in 1949 and then Ivan Gunning in 1957.

Mr Kott’s daughter, Ruth Kott, made history at Kott Gunning Lawyers in 1977 when she was the first female managing partner of any law firm in Perth.