Wotton + Kearney covers the gamut of insurance law matters, from general liability to specific sectors, such as professional, product, and employment practices liability. The firm’s experience includes advisory and litigation assistance. Opening a new Christchurch office in August 2023, the firm is able to cater to clients throughout the country. The team is jointly led by Antony Holden, Sean O’Sullivan, Rebecca Scott, Joseph Fitzgerald, Sophie Lucas, Misha Heneghan, and Caroline Laband. Also of note are Mathew Francis, Peter Leman, Matthew Booth, Hugh King and Michael Cavanaugh. In August 2023, Shane Swinerd was made partner.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Mathew Francis and Caroline Laband are stand-out.’

  • ‘Michael Cavanaugh's court presence is impressive, and he is extremely articulate and precise.’

Key clients

  • AIG New Zealand
  • AXA XL
  • Berkshire Hathaway Specialist Insurance
  • AJ Gallagher & Co
  • Chubb Insurance
  • DUAL New Zealand
  • Delta Insurance
  • QBE Syndicate 386
  • Vero Liability New Zealand
  • Zurich Australian Insurance

Work highlights

  • Acted for Holmes Fire & Safety Limited and its insurer DUAL in a High Court defective building claim relating to a 406-unit, 40-level apartment tower After the Auckland City Council, HFS had the largest claim against it.
  • Acted for AIG and IAG in a High Court claim against them by the Body Corporate of the Bellagio Apartments located at 39 Taranaki Street, Wellington which suffered earthquake damage as a result of the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Antony Holden, Sean O’Sullivan, Rebecca Scott, Joseph Fitzgerald, Sophie Lucas, Misha Henaghan, Caroline Laband

Other key lawyers

Mathew Francis, Peter Leman, Shane Swinerd, Matthew Booth, Hugh King, Michael Cavanaugh