Wotton Kearney

We are excited to invite you to the second session of the Australia & New Zealand Environmental Claims Discussion Group FY24, a forum that addresses key trends and environmental liability considerations for businesses and government entities. In this session, Keith Gardner, Assistant Vice President at Allied World, and Dean Young, Placement Manager (Environment) at Aon, will be discussing Environmental Liability Cover for Fixed Site Risks. The presentation will cover key risks including asbestos dumping, fire water run-off, underground storage tanks and PFAS with real life claims examples.   Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the field and engage with industry leaders. Plus, consider signing up to our email list below for access to the full series and more! — Date: Wednesday, 13 November 2024 Time: 3pm – 4pm AEST Location: WK Brisbane Office or virtually via Microsoft Teams   RSVP by 12 November here: https://lnkd.in/gVrRQ95c   Sign up to receive email alerts for future events: https://lnkd.in/gfbMTFHn   #environmentallaw #riskmanagement #insurance #environmentalliability

We were thrilled to host the AMINZ I Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand Mediation Skills Intensive course earlier this week in our Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau office! This course equips lawyers with essential skills in mediation and conflict resolution, offering insights into interpersonal dynamics, unconscious biases, and the entire mediation process – from recognising different negotiation styles to applying problem-solving techniques. We are proud to sponsor this event and support the professional development of lawyers in Aotearoa. #aminz #professionaldevelopment #sponsorship

Wotton Kearney is excited to be named as a Law Firm of the Year in Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer for 2024. The recognition profiles leading law firms that have demonstrated outstanding commitment across key areas including strategic recruitment, diversity, employee retention, and client growth. David Kearney, Chief Executive Partner, shared “This recognition is a testament to our focus on being the clear market leader in insurance and risk services in the region and an uncontested employer of choice. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, who contribute to the success of our clients and firm.” View the release here: https://lnkd.in/g6SdTHdJ #legalexcellence #lawfirm #australasianlawyer #nzlawyer

Living Wage Week in New Zealand celebrates the commitment to fair pay and dignity for all workers. As living costs continue to rise, the importance of ensuring that all employees receive a wage that covers basic needs and allows them to live with security becomes even more critical. Wotton Kearney is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer, ensuring our team and regular contractors receive wages that reflect the real cost of living in Aotearoa. By investing in the people of Aotearoa, we help build stronger communities and a more equitable society. As we mark Living Wage Week, let’s reflect on the value of fair pay for all and consider how we can continue to support and drive change in our workplaces and communities. Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand #livingwagenz #inclusiveworkplace #fairpay

The decision in Duncan v Bert Farina Constructions Pty Ltd [2024] SASCA 67 highlights the interplay between statutory time limits across statutes for building work claims. Partner Bill Conor and special counsel Julian Amato discuss the case and provide key takeaways for construction professionals and their insurers. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gGCG-Z2M #construction #buildingdefects #builder #statutoryinterpretation

The Australian Federal Court recently ruled that Senator Pauline Hanson’s response to a social media post by Senator Mehreen Faruqi was racist and violated anti-discrimination laws.   The Commercial Litigation team Georgie Austin, Zoë Burchill and Deniz Coskundag break down the judgment, issues and the court’s ruling on the matter.   Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gmKdJSnb   #racialequality #antidiscrimination #commerciallitigation #humanrightslaw #socialjustice

After 22 years, today we’re excited to share our new brand identity. At Wotton Kearney we have always differentiated ourselves by our deep expertise in insurance law, however as our clients’ needs have changed, so too has the firm. From expanding into more areas of emerging risks — from cyber, workplace, health and class actions, to investing heavily into innovation and AI, and most recently expanding into Asia, we have evolved significantly since it was founded in 2002.   Underpinning our brand identity is the firm’s brand essence — big thinkers, trail blazers, impactful humans — which highlights WK’s focus on solving the most complicated client challenges, our culture of innovation and transformation, and the importance of making a genuine and positive contribution to the firm’s clients, people and communities.   To find out more watch our video below, and visit our new website here: https://lnkd.in/g6VAwvAc

The Federal Court has rejected a security for costs application against Bruce Lehrmann lodged by Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson and stayed the enforcement of the costs order against Lehrmann resulting from his failed defamation case.   The Commercial Litigation team Georgie Austin, Zoë Burchill and Anthea Dres provide an analysis of the reasons for the decision, and the submissions presented by both parties.   Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gazk4_7w   #defamationlaw #legalnews #courtdecision #commerciallitigation #australianlaw

Happy Diwali from Wotton + Kearney! This Diwali, we celebrate the spirit of new beginnings, prosperity, and the power of light overcoming darkness. As we light up our homes and hearts, we hope the festival of lights brings joy, good health, and growth to you and your loved ones. Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. We wish everyone a bright and joyous Diwali. #diwali #festivaloflights #deepavali

The UK Supreme Court has delivered a recent judgment, dealing with when public authorities may owe a private duty of care to members of the public.   Partners Patrick Thompson and James Clohesy discuss the decision, key takeaways and how this might align with Australian common law.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxB6HGmB   #dutyofcare #publicauthoritylaw #legalprecedents #riskmanagement #supremecourtdecision