Wotton + Kearney has strengthened its Christchurch office with two key appointments, aiming to bolster its expertise in property, construction, and employment law.
The firm has welcomed Sam Hider (pictured left) as senior associate and Ramses Hunt (pictured right) as associate, aligning with its strategy to meet the increasing legal needs of South Island clients.
Hider specialises in insurance litigation, including claims related to material damage, business interruption, and professional indemnity. His experience spans disputes involving engineers, architects, project managers, and other professionals, as well as handling disciplinary matters.
This appointment comes as the global construction insurance market sees capacity growth, rebounding to levels last seen during the soft market of 2019, according to WTW’s latest report. This trend is expected to continue through 2025, driven by increasing demand for infrastructure coverage and new players entering the market.
Commenting on the appointment, partner Caroline Laband said Hider’s expertise in complex property damage claims and construction disputes enhances the firm’s ability to provide pragmatic advice to clients in the region.
“We’re excited to welcome Sam as a key addition to our team. His experience in navigating complex property damage claims and construction disputes will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to support our clients with the practical and forward-thinking advice they need in this dynamic market,” she said.
A Christchurch native, Hider shared his enthusiasm about contributing to the region’s legal landscape.
“I grew up in Christchurch and love living in this city. Working on earthquakes claims has left me with a real interest in the insurance industry, and I have since been fortunate enough to work on some fascinating cases ranging from high-value material damage claims to complex professional indemnity matters,” he said.
Hunt brings a background in employment law, with a focus on dispute resolution. He has advised both employers and employees in mediations and Employment Relations Authority cases, developing strategies for navigating workplace disputes effectively.
He joins Wotton + Kearney as organisations in the Asia-Pacific region are expressing concerns about their readiness to handle emerging risks, according to WTW. Only 29% of respondents feel their businesses are adequately prepared for risks over the next decade, and just 48% are confident in their current risk management frameworks.
Hunt said joining the law firm allows him to support local businesses managing employment law risks while contributing to the city’s growth.
“As the city continues the greatest comeback since Stephen Donald, I enjoy helping our local SMEs navigate the complexities of employment law, ensuring they can grow confidently with the city while managing risk effectively,” he said.
Rebecca Scott, partner and employment practice leader, highlighted Hunt’s role in expanding the firm’s presence in Canterbury.
“This is a strategic step in establishing our employment practice in Canterbury. With Ramses’s expertise and understanding of the local market, we can provide more tailored and responsive legal support to Canterbury businesses and individuals,” she said.
