Insights
This week in the UK is dedicated to our future leaders with National Apprenticeship Week. As such, we are looking at our future lawyers – always inspiring and good to see the enthusiasm and talent that there is out there.
DAC Beachcroft is leading the way in this area with a robust apprenticeship programme. Read about Karrie Mead‘s experience below.
Click on the link to read about our Early Talent opportunities – https://bit.ly/48DBhIi
Legalign Global is delighted to announce the launch of its new Legalign website, showcasing its position as the alliance of best-in-region law firms working as one for the global insurance industry.
The Legalign alliance, which has been established for over five years, brings together best-in-region firms working to provide truly global insurance expertise.
In March 2021 the alliance expanded for the first time, bolstering its global coverage with the addition of Alexander Holburn (AHBL), one of Canada’s leading insurance law firms and a member of The ARC Group Canada.
This expansion means insurer, broker and corporate clients now have access to best-in-region legal advice across North America, and collectively, the alliance of five of the world’s leading insurance law firms – DAC Beachcroft, BLD Bach Langheid Dallmayr, Wilson Elser, Wotton + Kearney, and Alexander Holburn, offer in-depth expertise in all major regions.
As each alliance firm is a leader in their region, global insurance issues are addressed by combining local insights, relationships and influence to deliver unrivalled service to support the global needs and ambitions of clients – and their customers. Clients are provided with the capacity for cases to be referred across jurisdiction, while taking comfort in the fact that they are working with expert colleagues in these key jurisdictions.
Helen Faulkner, Head of Insurance at DAC Beachcroft, says, “The recent addition of AHBL into the Legalign Global alliance has strengthened our ability to provide expertise across all major regions. We are therefore delighted to now launch our new, dynamic website, to provide the insurance market with a window to our global insurance practice.”
Wotton + Kearney has appointed James Clohesy, a highly regarded insurance liability specialist, as Special Counsel in its Sydney office. James is known for his excellent work in advising on property and construction third party claims, as well as intentional torts, general and product liability matters.
James, who will be joined by two more colleagues from Sparke Helmore, Jesse Pereira and Laura O’Toole, said: “I’m excited to be joining Wotton + Kearney. I’ve been really impressed by the calibre of the liability team, its collaborative approach to achieving outcomes for its clients and the firm’s People First culture.”
James is known for his work in the energy, construction, government and infrastructure sectors and his ability to clearly and quickly identify key issues. He has also achieved significant success in pursuing recovery actions for his clients.
Charles Simon, leader of W+K’s General Liability practice commented: “James is an outstanding addition to our rapidly growing team. Our growth story is driven by our ongoing desire to ensure we always have the best lawyers available to provide outstanding service to our clients. James’s expertise, combined with that of our wider national liability team, will ensure Wotton + Kearney continues to respond to the needs of the insurance market. We’ll be announcing more senior appointments joining our national liability team in the coming months.”
You can view James’s profile here.
Wotton + Kearney attracts highly regarded property, construction and energy team from Sparke Helmore
A team of highly regarded insurance lawyers is set to join Wotton + Kearney’s pre-eminent Property, Construction and Energy team from Sparke Helmore. The team includes partner Wes Rose, special counsel Anthony Mangafas, senior associates Marnie Hasler and James Sutherland, and associates Dena Patterson, Ryan Owens and Tshering Lama.
“Our Property, Construction and Energy team has been very busy in the specialist sectors that have been boosted by huge public and private investment in construction and infrastructure over the last decade. With the infrastructure investment commitments made by state and federal governments, we expect that demand will continue over the next 5-10 years. By growing our market-leading team we can augment our current offering and respond to our clients’ immediate and future needs,” said firm Chief Executive Partner David Kearney. “With the group led by Adam Chylek, our now six partner strong team offers the regional and local insurance market unrivalled depth and expertise across the Power Gen, Mining, Gas, Rail, Construction & Infrastructure, Renewables and Commercial and Industrial Property sectors.”
Adam Chylek, W+K’s Property, Construction and Energy Leader, added: “We are really excited about Wes joining us next week and his team following shortly afterward. We’ve worked with and against Wes and his team over many years and he has an excellent reputation with local institutional and niche insurers, the London market and self-insured engineering firms, and he is well-known to many of Wotton + Kearney’s key clients.”
Wes Rose is market-recognised for his expertise in construction, property and energy and ability to quickly identify factual and technical issues. He combines exceptional legal insight with hands-on industry experience, which he gained earlier in his career as a site manager. Wes advises on coverage, defence and recoveries across construction, engineering, power generation, manufacturing, distribution and agriculture sectors.
The decision to move to Wotton + Kearney with his team was an easy one for Wes. “Wotton + Kearney’s sole focus on insurance law means it has absolute clarity in its vision and strategy, this coupled with its progressive business structure, collaborative culture driven by genuine industry leaders means that it is the best place for me and my team to assist our clients in what are unusual and challenging times. Joining Wotton + Kearney means the Property, Construction and Energy team is now unrivalled in the region in terms of size and depth of talent and that’s great news for our clients. To be part of putting this together and building on it in the years to come is a once in a career opportunity.” he said.
You can view their full profiles at the links below.
Wes Rose – Partner
Anthony Mangafas – Special Counsel
Marnie Hasler – Senior Associate
James Sutherland – Senior Associate
Wotton + Kearney has again joined forces with ANZIIF, Liberty Specialty Markets and SURA to investigate how experiences of workplace inclusion are affecting the insurance industry. This year, more than 600 respondents shared their views on inclusion to help inform the final report Local Voice, Global Impact: Deep Dive on Inclusion Survey 2020 which was launched during September’s Dive In Festival.
The report is written by Dr Jennifer Whelan, Director of Psynapse Psychometrics, a leading Australian expert on inclusion. It highlights that inclusion remains an important issue for the insurance industry, particularly given the broader work-related challenges we have all faced during the pandemic.
2020 has brought unprecedented global disruption with the emergence of COVID-19. Most countries have experienced some degree of lockdown restrictions and prolonged social isolation requirements. As a result, vast numbers of employees have experienced a radical shift in the way they work, from being mostly office-based to working remotely or from home. For many of us, these remain ongoing challenges as we adapt to what may well become a ‘new normal’. This year’s Dive In Festival theme of “Local Voice, Global Impact” perfectly reflects the challenges of tackling a global challenge, while being largely confined to our homes and physically distant from colleagues, family and friends.
In 2019, we took a deep dive into how inclusion is experienced by diverse people working in the insurance and risk industry. In line with broader research, we found that some people feel more included than others; men, older people, leaders, and people who can do some or all of their work remotely feel a stronger sense of inclusion than others. The results from 2019 provided an important first look at inclusion in the insurance and risk industry in Australia and the first industry-based benchmarks on inclusion.
Our aim for the 2020 survey was twofold. Firstly, to explore changes in inclusion over time, with the hope of seeing a positive impact as more and more organisations invest in building a more inclusive culture. Data on the representation of diverse people in the industry is still lacking, but we do know that capability-building and training around inclusion have become more widespread. While the original hope was to find evidence of improvements in inclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had such profound and largely negative impact on every aspect of life – ranging from our mental and physical health, our job and economic security, our family and social relationships. As a result, the results from this year’s study are unlikely to be comparable to previous (or future) years. 2020 will go down in history as an atypical year by any measure.
However, COVID-19 has presented an invaluable opportunity to look at how workplaces adapt during a crisis, and the work-related challenges posed by the global pandemic play directly into inclusion. There are two good reasons to expect that many of the impacts of COVID-19 would represent a challenge to how included and connected people feel at work. Firstly, mainstreaming flexible work practices has been a common goal in diversity and inclusion work, and COVID-19 has ushered in an unprecedented era in which many, if not most employees carry out all or most of their work remotely. For most people, this has meant working from home much or all of the time. Secondly, given that many people believe that inclusion can act as a protective factor against change and disruption, and especially for diverse people, exploring experiences of inclusion during this crisis is particularly useful.
You can view a full copy of the report here.
International law firm DAC Beachcroft is delighted to announce it has been appointed to Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich)’s new large and complex claims legal panel for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, further consolidating its long-standing relationship with one of its largest and closest global insurance clients.
The appointment follows a successful proposition submitted jointly with leading Asia-Pacific insurance law firm Wotton + Kearney in Australia and New Zealand with whom DACB has worked closely for several years. Both firms are founding members of Legalign Global, an alliance of five best-in-region law firms, working collectively for multinational insurers, brokers and businesses to handle cross-border risks and claims.
Under the new arrangement, DACB’s Zurich Global Insurance team and Wotton + Kearney’s regional team will be responsible for overseeing Zurich’s complex, high value claims in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Commenting on the new appointment, James Morris, Chairman of DAC Beachcroft’s Claims Solutions Group and Client Relationship Partner for Zurich, said, “We are delighted to be supporting this very important part of Zurich’s business in providing strategic claims management across the APAC region.
“Our strong relationship with Wotton + Kearney will be hugely beneficial in ensuring a consistent approach in managing these complex and often commercially sensitive claims and supports our commitment to work with Zurich and its key customers across all jurisdictions. This has always been a core focus for DAC Beachcroft, Wotton + Kearney and Zurich.”
Wotton + Kearney Chief Executive Partner, David Kearney, added, “From our significant work with Zurich in Australia, New Zealand and the broader Asian region, we know that Zurich recognises the importance of business partners truly understanding their customers’ businesses which often cross national borders. With this appointment of DACB and W+K’s best in region teams, we are confident that our collective knowledge will translate to first class claims results for Zurich customers across the Asia – Pac region.”
Zurich Group Chief Claims Officer, Ian Thompson said, “We’re evolving our long-standing relationship with DAC Beachcroft and Legalign Global by introducing the new legal panel within APAC. I’m delighted to build on the success of this trusted partnership and what we’ve achieved so far with legal panel arrangements in other parts of Zurich. Our international customers will benefit from an expert level of legal insight and more consistent experience, particularly where coverage spans multiple jurisdictions. For Zurich, launching this global network for APAC is another proof point in our delivery of our Zurich Claims’ commitment, enabling us to improve our trend analysis within Claims and facilitate proactive decision-making.”
Helen Faulkner, DACB’s Global Head of Insurance, added, “This is a very significant milestone in realising our ambitions to support Zurich and its international customers across all jurisdictions. Zurich is a very important client for the firm and we are thrilled to be expanding our relationship further with this new panel appointment.
“It is both testament to the strength of the relationship that our very large team of lawyers in our Global Insurance practice has established with Zurich over the years, as well as a demonstration of the clear benefits of our Legalign Global alliance in delivering strategic and consistent claims management across multiple jurisdictions.”
Wotton + Kearney has appointed David Nathan as its first Non-Executive Chair, effective 1 December 2020. His appointment follows an extensive market search and the firm’s move to an incorporated model in July 2019.
David is an experienced Chair and NED with a demonstrated history of working across many industries, including insurance, professional services and health. He previously led Australia’s largest professional indemnity insurer, Avant Mutual, and its boutique private health insurer, the Doctors’ Health Fund. Before that David led the Australian offices of global law firm Baker McKenzie. David is also currently the Chair of the RSL’s National Board and the City Fertility Centre, and a non-executive director at Momentum Life NZ, Campbell Page, the Australasian Foundation of Plastic Surgery and the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
“I have a long-standing passion for the insurance industry and for professional services firms. Wotton + Kearney is a young, dynamic law firm that puts the insurance sector at the epicentre of everything it does. I am excited by the prospect of assisting them to achieve their strategic objective to put their clients at the heart of what they do, as they continue their impressive growth,” said David Nathan.
Wotton + Kearney’s Chief Executive Partner David Kearney added: “David’s combination of insurance and law firm experience made him the perfect choice for Wotton + Kearney. We’re confident, given his expertise in both law firm management and as a non-executive director, that he will guide Wotton + Kearney in achieving its strategic goals with an informed, independent perspective.”
David Nathan, Non-Executive Chair
Wotton + Kearney is delighted to announce our most recent senior promotions in Australia and New Zealand, including two new partners – Angela Winkler and James Clohesy – and 15 senior lawyers, effective 1 January 2021.
The latest promotions take the firm’s numbers to 44 partners and more than 220 dedicated insurance lawyers. Wotton + Kearney’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is also reflected in these promotions as 59% of the lawyers appointed to new senior roles are women. With the well-deserved promotions of Angela Winkler and James Clohesy to partner, the firm’s general liability practice continues to go from strength to strength to meet client demand.
Chief Executive Partner David Kearney comments: “These senior promotions, which are across all of our offices and practice groups, together with the 13 promotions we made in July this year, reflect Wotton + Kearney’s commitment to offer our clients deeper expertise. With our people first culture, we do this by recognising emerging talent and growing our ranks of senior specialists in key insurance lines.”
The full list of promoted senior lawyers is below:
Partners
Angela Winkler – General Liability (Sydney)
Angela is an experienced general liability lawyer who advises on personal injury matters, as well as property damage and professional indemnity claims. With both international and local experience, Angela has honed her highly commercial and cost-efficient claims management skills and understands the key drivers of an insurer’s claims function.
James Clohesy – General Liability (Sydney)
James specialises in property and construction third party claims, as well as intentional torts, general and product liability matters. He is particularly known for his ability to identify key issues clearly and quickly in coverage matters, dual insurance actions and large-scale litigated claims.
Special Counsel
- Emma Bray – General Liability (Brisbane)
- Emily Payne – General Liability (Melbourne)
- Natalie Bountros – General Liability (Sydney)
- Andrea Carnuccio – General Liability (Sydney)
- Patrick Thompson – General Liability (Sydney)
- Luke Vincent – Financial Lines (Sydney)
- James Dymock – Financial Lines (Auckland)
Senior Associate
- Sasha Davey – Financial Lines (Brisbane)
- Samantha Younane – Financial Lines (Melbourne)
- Tully Anders – General Liability (Melbourne)
- Sophie Crowther – General Liability (Melbourne)
- Diviij Vijayakumar – General Liability (Perth)
- Bridget Carpenter – General Liability (Sydney)
- Ryan Owens – Property & Energy (Sydney)
- Kate Wills – Medico-Legal/Employment (Wellington)
Wotton + Kearney has appointed two new partners, Chantal van Grieken, a highly regarded general liability practitioner, and Sian Gilbert, an EPL Accredited Specialist. Chantal and Sian, who were formerly with HWL Ebsworth, will join the firm on 1 February 2021.
Chantal is known for her expertise in the areas of public liability, workers actions, statutory third party recoveries, property damage and product liability. She has broad industry experience acting for both local and international insurers, and advises shopping centre owners/managers, REITs, manufacturers and construction and engineering companies in this capacity. She also advises manufacturers and other parties in the product supply chain on product recalls and associated claims.
Chantal said: “I’m excited to be joining Wotton + Kearney’s General Liability Team. I’m looking forward to being part of a firm that has such a clear vision for future growth, strong collaborative practices and a people first culture.”
Sian is an Accredited Specialist in Employment and Industrial Relations who is particularly known for her high level of technical skills, efficiency and strong client relationships. She advises insurers, financial institutions and government employers on EPL matters, spanning WHS prosecutions, coronial inquiries, general protections disputes, sexual harassment claims and unfair dismissals. She also advises on contract and management disputes, including applications for injunctive relief over contractual restraints.
“Wotton + Kearney has an outstanding market reputation due to the calibre of its team and its singular focus on insurance. I’m delighted to be joining the team,” Sian added.
“Both Chantal and Sian are known for their high quality legal advice, pragmatic approach and strong client relationships. We’re delighted they are joining Wotton + Kearney as they will be a great addition to our national General Liability and EPL teams and share our commitment to providing outstanding service to the insurance market. As W+K is a firm committed to improving diversity and inclusion in our industry, we’re also pleased that their arrival will further boost female representation in our partner ranks,” said David Kearney, Wotton + Kearney’s Chief Executive Partner.
You can view their full profiles at the links below.
Chantal van Grieken – Partner, General Liability
Sian Gilbert – Partner, Work Health & Safety/EPL
Last year, vulnerable members of our communities needed more help than ever before. Through our Pro Bono and Responsible Business program, Community Footprint, W+K was able to help people experiencing homelessness, refugees and people seeking asylum, people experiencing domestic violence, and the elderly.
Our Community Footprint program is a core part of who we are, how we do business and how we give back to our communities.
The Community Footprint FY2020 Report highlights many of the impactful ways we contributed to our communities during a very challenging year, including:
- extending our partnership with the Black Dog Institute to help address mental health issues
- contributing more than 3,000 pro bono and community hours
- running 9 pro bono clinics, including remote offerings
- providing two pro bono secondments and hosting three pro bono interns
- providing financial support to 15 charity partners
- donating goods and other essential items, and
- making ‘kindness calls’.
Our plans for 2021 are even more ambitious and include a W+K team trekking the Larapinta Trail with the goal of raising more than $100,000 for the Black Dog Institute and improving mental health. If you’d like to know more about our Community Footprint program, please get in touch.
You can view a short video overview of the report below or read the full report here or at the button below.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, Alexander Holburn, BLD Bach Langheid Dallmayr, DAC Beachcroft, Wilson Elser and Wotton + Kearney have joined together to create a series of daily videos highlighting leading women across our network and their achievements.
You may have seen the videos on LinkedIn which includes our Legalign firm leaders introducing the series on why International Women’s Day is so important. The videos cover a range of themes including women’s involvement in the legal profession, leading through the pandemic, remote working, supporting other women in their careers and how we define success.
Why is International Women’s Day so important? (3:21)
What would you change about women’s involvement in the legal profession? (2:53)
Leading through the pandemic (4:26)
Working remotely (5:12)
Supporting other women (4:18)
Definition of success (3:59)
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