We recently caught up with Clare McNamara, partner in Wotton Kearney’s growing Government practice, to learn more about her journey and what drives her work. 

Clare joins us from Clayton Utz with more than 25 years’ experience advising Commonwealth agencies, with her appointment marking a key step in the continued expansion of our Government practice. 

You joined Wotton Kearney in February as a Partner, bringing deep expertise as both a litigator and trusted adviser to Commonwealth agencies. Tell us about your career journey and plans moving forward at the firm? 

Over the course of my career, I’ve built broad litigation experience across both government and insurance sectors, with a particular focus on representing Commonwealth agencies in high-stakes, sensitive matters.  

My work has spanned liability disputes, coronial inquests, administrative law challenges, regulatory compliance investigations, and common law claims – and I’ve spent much of the past decade specialising in the Royal Commission and inquiries space.  

I’m excited to bring this combination of deep litigation capability and specialist government insight to Wotton Kearney, supporting the firm’s ambitions to grow its government profile and enhance the value we deliver to Commonwealth agencies. 

You’re well-known for your advice across public law, commissions of enquiry and high-stakes disputes. What drives your passion for this area of law?

I enjoy the intellectual challenge and satisfaction of solving complex legal problems and providing workable outcomes for my clients.  

The issues we face in public law and high stakes disputes often demand a nuanced, strategic approach, which I find immensely rewarding working on. It’s about crafting solutions that not only resolve difficult matters but also drive meaningful change for Government clients.  

In my role, I’m able to apply my expertise in a way that supports the firm’s position as a leader in insurance and risk legal services across the Asia Pacific. It’s incredibly exciting to contribute specifically to the firm’s growing Commonwealth practice, bringing Wotton Kearney’s expertise directly to Government agencies and strategically positioning the firm for the future.

You’ve spoken about your passion for pro bono work and giving back to the community. What does that look like for you?

I believe giving back is an essential part of fostering a fair and just society.  

Pro bono is also a particular focus for me. As a volunteer Director with Catholic Social Services Australia, I see and do my best to support the important work of our member organisations, who are on the front line of disadvantage in Australia every day, making a positive difference to the lives of people in need. 

The legal and risk landscape is always evolving. What emerging opportunities or challenges do you see on the horizon for Commonwealth agencies?

The legal and risk landscape for Commonwealth agencies is likely to shift, particularly following the federal election, which will bring new policy directions, priorities and scrutiny, and agencies must be ready to navigate that transition. 

The legacy of the Robodebt Royal Commission also continues to highlight the need for stronger governance and transparency in decision-making – with ongoing work needed to embed those lessons for the future.  

I personally find that we’re seeing an increasingly litigious society, with a rise in claims, including matters that may not have previously progressed only a couple years ago. This is reinforcing the need for proactive risk management in organisations and government agencies alike. 

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

At this time of year, as a volunteer director of my local Canberra football club, Tuggeranong United, I am coordinating more than 300 junior players into soccer teams! Between organising grading day, registrations in multiple systems, making sure friends and school mates play together in the same team and managing the associated administrivia, it really is a full-on logistical operation through to the start of the season in May.   

I’m a bit of a kids’ sport tragic to be honest – for the next six months a lot of my downtime will happen around various soccer fields and basketball courts! 

Looking ahead, what’s a professional and/or personal goal you’re excited to pursue?

Professionally, I’m excited to challenge myself, leading a team and helping build something new that really makes a difference.  

There’s so much untapped opportunity for Wotton Kearney to support the Commonwealth, and I’m looking forward to playing a key role finding the synergies to grow our offering and demonstrate the value we will bring to our government clients.