Wotton Kearney Australian firm to broaden presence in Southeast Asia through establishment of a Bangkok branch
Wotton Kearney, a leading Australian law firm specialising in insurance and risk, is set to open a new office in Bangkok, Thailand, later this month. This will be the firm's second office in Southeast Asia and the eleventh overall, following their successful launch in Singapore.
The strategic expansion into Thailand is a reflection of Wotton Kearney's client-centric approach and their ability to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of businesses in the Asia Pacific region. David Kearney, the firm's chief executive partner, expressed that this move is a natural progression for the firm, as they continue to expand their international footprint.
The new office in Bangkok will primarily focus on supporting insurer and reinsurer clients in the energy, property, cyber, and financial lines sectors. This focus aligns with the firm's broader strategy, which aims to provide specialized legal services to clients in key sectors across the region.
Thailand offers a growing market with significant opportunities in the energy, property, and financial sectors. By tapping into these markets, Wotton Kearney hopes to leverage the country's strategic location and economic development. The move into Thailand also aligns with the firm's broader international strategy, enhancing their regional presence and allowing them to better serve clients across the Asia-Pacific region.
The new office will be staffed with additional support staff, and while the specific team members joining the Thailand office have not yet been announced, they are currently under contract with their existing firms. The appointment of specialists like Ian Johnston, who has extensive experience in energy and arbitration matters across Asia, underscores Wotton Kearney's commitment to building a strong team capable of handling complex disputes and advising on major projects in these sectors.
The expansion into Thailand also places Wotton Kearney in a position to navigate and influence the rapidly evolving legal landscape in Asia, particularly in areas like energy law and ESG compliance, which are becoming increasingly important across the region.
The new office will start with a team of two partners and four lawyers. Ben Nicholson, the managing partner for Asia, mentioned that many of the firm's clients have invested in the Thai insurance market in recent years and that the firm already has a lot of work there. The new office is coming about a year after Wotton Kearney opened in Singapore, marking another step in the firm's ambitious growth plans.
The new Thailand office will enhance Wotton Kearney's ability to provide seamless legal support for multinational clients navigating complex insurance and risk regulatory environments. With their world-class legal expertise, deep local market knowledge, and commitment to client service, Wotton Kearney is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the Thai market.
- The strategic expansion of Wotton Kearney into Thailand is a testament to their commitment in delivering legal services within the Asia Pacific region's evolving business sectors, such as energy, property, and finance.
- The new office in Bangkok will allow Wotton Kearney to engage in litigation and provide guidance for their clients, primarily insurers and reinsurers, in the energy, property, cyber, and financial lines sectors, promoting growth opportunities in the region's finance industry.
