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In a move to strengthen its growing government practice, international law firm Wotton Kearney has added a new partner, who joins from Clayton Utz.
In a strategic expansion of its government practice, Wotton Kearney has appointed Clare McNamara as a partner in Canberra.
Previously a special counsel at Clayton Utz, McNamara brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm, including advising Commonwealth agencies such as the departments of defence, health and ageing, infrastructure, and treasury.
She has played a crucial role in managing complex liability disputes, coronial inquiries, regulatory investigations, and administrative law challenges. She has also had significant involvement in the royal commissions into child abuse and aged care.
“Wotton Kearney has provided me with an incredible opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, people-first firm,” McNamara said.
“I’m excited to join the strong government practice and to continue to build the enduring relationships with our Commonwealth clients that will help drive the firm’s vision for the future.”
This news comes after the firm nabbed a financial lines team from Clyde & Co late last year, as well as Wotton Kearney’s appointment to the Whole of Australian Government Legal Services Panel, effective from 1 July 2024, following the firm’s establishment of a dedicated government practice 12 months ago.
The firm also opened its 10th office in Singapore in June, following the addition of a health partner from BigLaw rival Lander & Rogers in October and a new special counsel and senior associate within the firm’s cyber and technology advisory practice in November.
As previously reported by Lawyers Weekly, the firm’s revenue grew by 71.6 per cent from FY2019–20 to FY2022–23. To achieve this growth, the firm focuses on specific areas where its clients demand services, chief executive partner David Kearney said on The Lawyers Weekly Show recently.
Clients and markets managing partner Cain Jackson said McNamara’s appointment reinforces the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality legal services to the Commonwealth government.
“Clare’s appointment is highly significant for us in expanding our government legal services offering,” he said.
“Her sector knowledge and extensive experience handling both litigated and unlitigated claims for the Commonwealth will be pivotal in shaping our service offering and the future growth of our government practice.”
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.