W+K lures Sparke Helmore team for new Canberra branch

Wotton + Kearney (W+K) has brought in a team from Sparke Helmore to launch its eighth branch in Canberra.

Insurance litigator Catherine Power helms the group, which consists of special counsel Gemma Burke and Cindy Lim; senior associates Emma Bozic and Rachel Walls; solicitor Denisa Zezulka; practice manager Wendy Bradford; and legal administrator Sheridan Martin. Most of the team will commence with W+K on 1 August.

“We have been keen to grow our government and insurance practice to support our clients in Canberra for some time but didn’t want to do so without the right team and leader to spearhead our move. With the arrival of Cath Power, arguably one of the most respected insurance lawyers in Australia, and her team who join us from Sparke Helmore, we are confident we have done just that,” CEP David Kearney said.

He explained that the expansion bolsters W+K’s insurance law offering across Australia and New Zealand.

Power has advised large insurers and the Commonwealth on a variety of claims. She has tackled matters related to public liability, institutional abuse, property damage, professional indemnity and medical negligence.

She has been listed among the Best Lawyers in the country for her insurance expertise.

The fit-out for W+K’s Canberra office is set to be completed in September. This follows the firm’s establishment of an Adelaide branch in May.