Wotton + Kearney (W + K), the prominent Australian law firm specializing in insurance and risk law, has officially inaugurated its new office in Singapore, marking its inaugural venture into the Asia-Pacific region.
Led by Chief Executive Partner David Kearney, Wotton + Kearney’s expansion into Singapore signifies a significant milestone as the first Australian-based insurance and risk law firm to establish a foothold in Asia. Kearney expressed enthusiasm about the firm’s entry into Singapore, a pivotal hub for the global insurance industry, emphasizing their commitment to supporting clients’ needs across Asia and beyond.
The Singapore office, first announced in April, will be overseen by Managing Partner Ben Nicholson, previously of Kennedys, Singapore. Nicholson is joined by a distinguished team including Partner Tom Morrison, Senior Associates Audrey Wong and James Sutherland, Associates Mantita Yeo and Nathaniel Loh, and Team Secretary Jane Lefort. Together, they bring extensive expertise in regional legal practices and the insurance sector.
Nicholson affirmed that while Singapore serves as their base, Wotton + Kearney remains dedicated to serving clients throughout Asia and the Middle East, establishing a comprehensive regional hub for the firm. He highlighted the strategic growth ambitions of Wotton + Kearney, particularly amidst challenges faced by traditional competitors in the market.
Nicholson himself is recognized for his authority in insurance and reinsurance law in Singapore, specializing in specialty risks such as property, energy, engineering, and infrastructure across the Asia Pacific, UK, Middle East, and North Africa regions. Partner Tom Morrison focuses on property, energy, and construction, providing policy coverage advice and handling disputes including Industrial All Risk, CAR, and business interruption, with extensive experience in international arbitrations.
Founded in 2002, W + K has expanded significantly from its origins with two partners to encompass 82 partners and over 450 lawyers across ten offices, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and now Singapore.
