Australian law firm Wotton + Kearney (W + K) has officially opened a new office in Singapore, marking its initial foray into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
This move represents the first time an Australian-based insurance and risk law firm has established a presence in Asia.
“We are delighted to officially open our doors in Singapore and welcome Asia’s market-leading insurance team to Wotton + Kearney,” said David Kearney, chief executive partner of W + K. “Singapore is a regional hub for the global insurance industry, and we look forward to working closely with our clients across Asia and beyond to support their needs.”
The Singapore office, announced in April, will be led by managing partner Ben Nicholson (pictured, right), formerly of Kennedys, Singapore. He is joined by:
The team brings significant expertise in regional legal practices and the insurance industry.
Nicholson noted that while their base is in Singapore, they will continue to serve clients throughout Asia and the Middle East, creating a comprehensive regional hub for the firm.
“Wotton + Kearney is a firm that has always looked for strategic growth opportunities, and this significant move signals that the firm has now firmly set its sights on Asia and beyond. I am excited about joining this dynamic organisation at a time when it is looking at measured international expansion in a market where some traditional competitors are facing challenges,” he said.
Nicholson, a recognised authority in insurance and reinsurance law in Singapore, specialises in specialty risks, including property, energy, engineering, and infrastructure.
He has broad experience across the Asia Pacific, UK, Middle East, and North Africa regions.
Morrison’s practice focuses on property, energy, and construction, providing policy coverage advice on disputes such as Industrial All Risk, CAR, and business interruption. He has extensive experience with international arbitrations under various rules, including HKIAC, ICC, LCIA, and SIAC.
Since its founding in 2002, W + K has grown from two partners to 82 partners and more than 450 lawyers across ten offices, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and now Singapore.
