We recently caught up with Craig Terrill, Partner in Wotton Kearney’s Professional & Financial Risks team, to learn more about his story and what drives his work.

Craig recently joined Wotton Kearney’s Melbourne office, bringing more than 40 years’ experience advising Australian and international insurers across professional indemnity, directors & officers’ liability, construction, and complex property matters.

His appointment further strengthens WK’s Professional & Financial Risks team, adding market-leading technical expertise and a proven track record on high-profile, technically challenging matters, including major infrastructure projects, environmental claims, and financial services disputes.

You recently joined Wotton Kearney as a Partner in the Professional & Financial Risks team. Can you share a little about your career journey and what led you to focus on professional indemnity and financial risks?

I started my career with front-end construction matters at what was Weigall & Crowther, and then moved to Phillips Fox (now DLA Piper) in their insurance team. I quickly found myself hooked on the insurance world – there’s just so much variety in the claims and advisory work.

From there, I was drawn to London to broaden my experience. Being in the insurance headquarters there exposed me to both underwriting and placements, and I got to work on some major litigation, including the refurbishment of the old Lloyds building. That’s when I really got hooked on professional indemnity and financial risks. Part of it was fascination, part fate, and part just navigating the ever-changing appetite of the underwriters I worked with.

What excites me most about being at Wotton Kearney is the culture and the firm’s holistic approach. I also really enjoy passing on knowledge to the next generation – something I think is sadly becoming rare in larger firms.

You’ve acted in some of Australia’s most complex professional indemnity and liability matters, from infrastructure projects to class actions. What drives your passion?

I’ve been fortunate to act in some of Australia’s most complex professional indemnity and liability matters, from large infrastructure projects to class actions. What really drives me is understanding exactly what the client needs and working to get the right result. Collaborating closely with clients and helping them navigate complex situations is incredibly rewarding.

What keeps me engaged is the sheer diversity of problems and the interesting issues that arise in this area of law – no two matters are ever the same. And even with high-stakes or complex cases, my enthusiasm comes from achieving what I consider a premium outcome for the client. There’s nothing quite like that sense of getting it right.

Looking ahead, what trends or emerging risks do you think will be most significant for insurers and insureds in the professional risks space?

I think a few key trends will really shape the professional risks space. On the insurer side, there’s increasing scrutiny around regulatory compliance, particularly with evolving financial services and corporate governance standards. For clients, navigating claims in a rapidly changing environment, think cyber exposures, environmental liabilities, and complex infrastructure projects, will continue to be challenging.

I also see opportunities for innovation, especially in how risks are underwritten and managed. Technology, data analytics, and more collaborative approaches between insurers and insureds can really improve outcomes. Ultimately, staying agile, understanding emerging risks early, and fostering strong client relationships will be critical for success in the years ahead.

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

One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Rutherglen. Being the youngest of four, farming wasn’t really on the cards for me, though I do miss that lifestyle.

I also have a real passion for wine, which probably isn’t a coincidence given my Rutherglen roots. Growing up in one of Australia’s big wine regions definitely rubbed off on me!

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

One professional goal I’m really excited about is passing on “the knowledge” to help the next generation of lawyers become the best versions of themselves. It’s something I think is too often overlooked, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

On a more personal note, I’m keen to do more travel and see the wonders this world has to offer. One thing on my bucket list is exploring South America – there’s so much there I’ve yet to experience, and I can’t wait to get started.