Insurance

Wotton + Kearney

Market-leading practice Wotton + Kearney represents major players in the New Zealand and London markets, as well as local brokers and corporate insureds. Key areas of work include general liability, financial lines, complex property claims, employment practices liability, cyber/privacy and subrogated recoveries. Managing partner in Wellington Antony Holden is supported by a sizeable team in Auckland and Wellington including professional indemnity specialist Mathew Francis, experts in material damage and business interruption claims Richard Flinn and Caroline Laband, as well as senior partner Peter Leman. Misha Henaghan, Shane Swinerd and counsels Andrew Moore, Matthew Booth and Hugh King are also recommended for such claims. Rebecca Scott leads on employment litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘W+K provides a complete insurance service for every discreet aspect of insurance capabibility with experts in every field.’
‘This is a 'relationship first' relationship.’
‘The partners and team are always very approachable and willing to assist. The are open to feedback and criticism and clearly very interested in the work we do together.’
‘The team is replete with top insurance law specialists. ’
‘Very client focussed pragmatic but careful legal advice.’
‘The firm's insurance expertise covers the wide range of insurance services. Particular individuals/teams specialise in particular insurance law areas. This is attractive as it means that specialist advice is received. ’
'Rebecca Scott is a stand-out in the employment disputes space (calm and measured).'
'Misha Henaghan is known for her defence work in the general liability space.’

Key clients

AIG New Zealand
AXA XL
Berkshire Hathaway Specialist Insurance
Crombie Lockwood / AJ Gallagher & Co
Chubb Insurance
DUAL New Zealand
Munich Re
QBE Syndicate 386 (Lloyd’s)
Vero Liability New Zealand
Zurich Australian Insurance

Work highlights

Acting for insurers Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance and Vero Insurance New Zealand in relation to a claim for damage to three buildings during the Christchurch earthquake sequence.
Acting for fire engineer Holmes Fire & Safety in High Court litigation relating to a 406-unit, 40-level apartment tower.
Acting for the defendant in litigation brought by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) alleging 136 contraventions of the relevant legislation.

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.