Modernising Connectivity for a Hybrid Legal Workforce

As a full-service law firm, Cooney Lees Morgan’s (CLM) reputation rests on delivering outstanding service to clients while meeting stringent legal compliance requirements. To maintain their high standards as Tauranga’s oldest and largest law firm, CLM had a forward-looking vision: support hybrid work, improve user experience and simplify IT infrastructure. But their existing network was standing in the way.

CLM established their reputation on delivering exceptional legal services, making reliable and secure IT infrastructure a business-critical priority. However, their reliance on outdated switches, patchy Wi-Fi and a lack of redundancy risked service disruption and inefficiency.

Customer overview

Cooney Lees Morgan

Location: Tauranga, New Zealand

Employees: 100+

IT needs: Improved connectivity, flexible workspaces, cybersecurity compliance and environmentally sustainable approach.

Challenges

CLM’s IT challenges were both operational and strategic.

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• Outdated equipment

Core switches were approaching end-of-life, causing unreliable connectivity and leaving the infrastructure vulnerable.

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• Patchy Wi-Fi

Employees experienced dropped sessions when transitioning between LAN and Wi-Fi in the office, disrupting workflows.

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• Redundancy gaps

A lack of network redundancy meant any equipment failure could severely impact their office operations.

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Patchy Wi-Fi, inconsistent user connectivity and outdated switches meant routine work - like moving between meetings - could result in dropped virtual desktop sessions. For a legal firm, where every second and document matters, this friction was unsustainable.

As the firm planned for a major office refurbishment and a shift to cloud-based legal platforms, the moment was right for transformation.

Solution

CLM turned to Theta, with our proven ability to deliver infrastructure change without disruption. We recommended Juniper Networks' Mist platform, an AI-native networking platform that balances reliability with simplicity. CLM considered other options but chose Juniper Mist for its performance and Theta for trusted expertise.

With Theta delivering architecture, design and implementation services and Westcon supporting with distribution services, the collaboration delivered a fully integrated, AI-powered solution using Juniper Networks' Mist platform for wireless and wired networking.

Some functionalities built into the new networking system include:

• AI-driven insights

Juniper Marvis AI engine provided real-time network monitoring and predictive issue resolution. The Marvis AI assistant allows staff to engage with Mist using plain English and makes both understanding user experience metrics and troubleshooting very easy.

• Wireless-first architecture

The implementation of enterprise-grade Wi-Fi eliminated the need for most cabling, aligning with CLM’s planned office renovations.

• Redundant design

Configured failovers between switches and access points ensured zero interruptions should any equipment fail.

• Scalable, flexible and green

The system was designed to accommodate future growth while reducing the requirement for cables and power-hungry switches. This aligns with CLM’s aspirations for sustainable growth.

“We were aiming for a modern, flexible and eco-friendly solution that would deliver a superior user experience for the staff at CLM. Frictionless technology is a massive contributor to staff satisfaction, helping to make CLM an employer of choice for the talented lawyers who work there”.

- Stephan van Lieshout, Architecture Lead, Theta

The implementation process

The deployment was carefully designed and planned by Theta to minimise business interruption.

1. Understanding requirements – A consultative approach ensured the solution reflected CLM’s specific needs and regulatory compliance mandates.
2. Customised design – Wi-Fi coverage analysis and hardware layout optimisation tailored the solution to their workspace.
3. Streamlined cutover – Completed over a single weekend, the migration avoided workplace disruption, with employees resuming work seamlessly on Monday.
4. Proactive testing – Rigorous user acceptance testing (UAT) ensured problem-free operation post-deployment.

Importantly, the transition was made over a single weekend without notifying users in advance. By Monday, staff were working as usual, unaware that the entire infrastructure underneath them had changed.

“Ideally, we wanted a one vendor, enterprise grade, solution for switching and wireless access points. Juniper Mist had been on my radar for some time as a best-in-class solution for Wi-Fi.”

- James Curtis, IT Manager, Cooney Lees Morgan

Partnered success

The results spoke volumes about the project’s success, delivering immediate and ongoing benefits to CLM’s operations.

• Enterprise-grade performance: Staff now roam freely between spaces, maintaining stable sessions without interruption.
• IT simplicity: 80% of network cabling was removed and management moved to a single pane of glass.
• Built-in resilience: Network components can now fail over automatically - no more service halts.
• Stronger security: Advanced protections safeguarded sensitive client data, meeting legal compliance requirements.
• User confidence: With smoother technology, teams can focus on serving clients, not fighting tech friction.

The switch to wireless-first also supports CLM’s sustainability goals and future renovation plans. Their offices are now fully mobile-ready, cloud-capable, and optimised for ongoing flexibility.

“As far as a networking change is concerned, this was a heart transplant! From planning, preparation and cutover, everything was extremely well documented and communicated, and the result was a cutover with literally zero issues.”

- James Curtis, IT Manager, Cooney Lees Morgan

Looking ahead

CLM’s network is now primed for future growth:

• Supports upcoming office upgrades without interruptions
• Easily scales for remote offices or client-accessible spaces
• Future-ready for cloud integration, VoIP, and secure guest access

This foundation positions CLM to remain agile, secure and cost-effective in the long term.

CLM’s partnership with Theta, Juniper Networks and Westcon didn’t just improve their IT infrastructure; it future-proofed their operations. The AI-native network offers the agility to scale as the firm grows, while its dependability ensures employees can focus on delivering outstanding legal services without technological barriers.

The success of this collaboration is proof that innovative technology, paired with the right expertise and strategic alignment, can transform operations in any industry.