We recently caught up with Patrick Thompson, Partner at Wotton Kearney, to learn more about his story and what drives his work.
Pat has built a career at the intersection of public sector law and complex claims management, representing Government agencies through matters that are rarely simple – from coronial inquests and abuse claims to class actions brought against prominent Government institutions.
In this Q&A, Pat reflects on what drew him to Government work, the team driving results for clients, a recent win, and something that people might be surprised to learn about him.
Could you share a little about your career journey and what led you to Government?
I had the good fortune to land at the Crown Solicitor’s Office early in my career, doing nothing but work for the State of NSW. I found Government law engaging and important – it’s the space where “black letter” law combines with matters of public policy, throwing up genuinely interesting issues on a daily basis. I was immediately hooked. I’ve since returned to private practice but never lost that love of working with, and for, Government.
What does having the right team behind you mean for the clients you support?
Everything. The partner on a file is only the tip of the iceberg. I can ensure files are moving in a directionally correct way, but it is the lawyers I supervise with who will grapple with the detail, with the documents, with the witnesses, and with the day-to-day practice management. It is the application of their expertise that ensures good results for the Government. Fortunately, here at WK I am supported by a team of absolute weapons. Training them up and working with them has been the privilege of my career.
Can you walk us through a recent win?
Over the past several years, we’ve been working with Government clients in the correctional space to get better at weeding out the genuine claims from disingenuous ones. My clients and I have never hesitated to justly compensate a genuine claimant, but we have been grappling with a large number of claims that, frankly, didn’t seem true at a factual level.
After a number of learnings over recent years, we are now gaining real momentum in sorting out the good claims from the bad, and are taking an appropriately firm line on the ones lacking credibility. We have obtained a number of judgments in favour of our clients, either entered by consent or, in one recent case, entered by the Court after a contested and high stakes hearing – the first of its kind in this space.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Perhaps not so surprising to those who know me – I am an inveterate nerd. When I’m off the work laptop, there’s a good chance you’ll find me on another screen – recently, smashing demon heads in Diablo 4. Tragic.
Connect with the team
If you would like to find out more about how Wotton Kearney’s Government practice can support your organisation, please reach out to Patrick Thompson.
Alternatively, read our other Partner Mini Q&A with Amanda Beattie.