Senior Associate or Special Counsel (Professional & Financial Risks) – Sydney or Perth
Join the best. Be yourself.
At WK, we solve complex legal problems, challenge ourselves to innovate, and create impact for our people, clients, and communities. We’re Asia Pacific’s leading insurance and risk legal business, and due to growth, we’re expanding our Professional & Financial Risks team.
Our growth has been phenomenal. Why?
At Wotton Kearney, we attract the best clients because we have the best people, delivering exceptional service to become industry leaders, building a thriving business driven by our shared values - Focus on the Main Game, Have Each Other’s Back, and Be Real - so if you're looking for the best place to grow your career, talk to us.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Special Counsel to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with market-leading partners on complex, high-value disputes in the financial lines and professional risks space. You will act for insurers and insureds across a diverse portfolio of matters, including Directors & Officers (D&O), Professional Indemnity (PI), and coverage issues. While the role will focus on covering financial institutions and related sectors.
This is a defendant-focused role, ideal for a lawyer with strong technical skills, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach. You will be involved in advising on coverage issues, defending claims, and managing litigation for major insurers and their insureds.
What You’ll Do:
- Act as defence counsel in complex D&O and PI claims, including high-profile disputes and regulatory investigations.
- Advise insurers on coverage issues across financial lines and professional indemnity.
- Manage large-scale litigation and coordinate multi-party disputes with strategic oversight.
- Act as a senior mentor within the team, providing guidance, feedback and practical development opportunities for junior lawyers.
- Work closely with partners on emerging trends in financial lines and contribute to thought leadership initiatives.
What We’re Looking For:
- Minimum 5 years PQE in insurance litigation, with a focus on financial lines and professional indemnity.
- Strong technical knowledge of D&O, PI, and coverage issues.
- Proven ability to manage complex disputes and deliver strategic advice.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a high-performing team environment.
Why Wotton Kearney?
At Wotton Kearney, we’re not your typical law firm. We are forward-thinking pioneers, creative strategists, and genuine professionals reshaping insurance law. We thrive on collaboration, bold ideas, and unwavering support. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Industry Leaders & Innovation Pioneers - We don’t just keep up with change; we drive it. We were the first Australian law firm to launch Cicero, the country’s first AI product built for legal professionals.
- Recognised Excellence - Ranked Australia’s best insurance law firm (Best Lawyers 2026) and consistently ranked Band 1 across legal directories.
- FLEX for all -We care about client outcomes, quality, and business and cultural contributions. If you can make that work by working part-time, working “irregular hours” or working from home - then so can we.
- Growth & Mentoring - We invest in you with hands-on mentoring, training, and career development, keeping you ahead in the legal and insurance industries.
- A Culture That Sets Us Apart - Open, collegiate, and passionate about everything we do. We don’t just talk about culture; we live it.
- Giving Back - From building homes in Cambodia to fun runs and bake sales, there are plenty of ways to make an impact beyond the office.
- Leaders of the Pack - As one of Australia’s fastest-growing law firms, we know where we’re headed and we want you on the journey with us.
- Putting People First - We offer generous parental leave up to 26 weeks, purchased annual leave, home office allowances, health and wellbeing benefits, education assistance and more.
How to apply
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace at Wotton Kearney. As part of our dedication to accessibility, we strive to support candidates with disabilities throughout the interview process. If you require any accommodations or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact us at
[email protected]
Important note to recruitment agencies
Wotton Kearney only considers agency submissions from agencies we've directly contacted through our Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward resumes or profiles directly to Wotton Kearney Partners, hiring managers, or other employees. Introductions are only established upon acceptance by our Talent Acquisition team. We reserve the right to retain any unsolicited CV's received outside of this process without incurring any associated fees.
