In our latest Q&A, we sat down with Ian Johnston, partner in the Wotton Kearney Bangkok office, to hear his story.
We recently welcomed Ian and his team of three to Wotton Kearney’s newly opened Bangkok office. Joining us from Clyde & Co, Ian is a recognised insurance and international arbitration specialist with extensive experience across Asia. He regularly acts in high-value, complex disputes spanning the energy, construction, property, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
You’ve recently joined Wotton Kearney as a Partner in the Bangkok office. Tell us about your journey and plans moving forward at the firm?
Put simply, it just felt like the right move – the culture, the people, the regional focus, and Wotton Kearney’s strong reputation in insurance really stood out to me. Having worked in Asia since 1999, I’ve developed a clear sense of what works in this region and what doesn’t, and this felt like a great opportunity to contribute to WK’s growth in Thailand from the ground up.
I’m excited to be part of a firm that sees the Bangkok office as an integral part of the network, not just a satellite. On a personal level, I also really connect with the idea that success in law and business doesn’t have to come at the expense of integrity or kindness, which aligns well with WK’s values.
You’ve brought a talented team of three with you – what does success look like for you and your team?
For me, success means fully integrating into the WK network, allowing our individual expertise to flourish while expanding what we can offer clients.
We each bring different, complementary skillsets, so we’re focused on delivering added value – not duplication, and being really intentional in covering all our client’s needs. Over time, we also want to build out dedicated teams across different lines of work, similar to what you see in WK’s larger offices.
The ultimate goal is to grow a team of outstanding lawyers under the WK banner that will lead the Thai insurance legal market for many years to come.
You’re well-known for your expertise in high-value and complex disputes in the energy, construction, property, commercial and hospitality sectors. What drives your passion for these areas of law?
What drives me is having a genuine focus on what the client actually wants. Understanding that allows us to niche in on their needs and respond in a way that truly adds value.
We’re not about ticking boxes or chasing volume, we focus on doing the right thing by the client, with the goal of building lasting relationships and repeat business.
It’s also critical to keep our expertise sharp and relevant to the Thai market, so we’re constantly drawing on international experience to shape our local approach.
The legal and risk landscape continues to shift – what emerging risks or opportunities do you see on the horizon for insurers and insureds across Asia?
The legal and risk landscape across Asia is certainly evolving quickly, and while some product lines tend to lag a few years behind other regions, that also creates an opportunity to learn from developments elsewhere and plan ahead.
Cyber is a great example, where it’s still relatively low volume in Thailand, but we’re seeing steady growth. We’re staying ahead of the curve by providing legal updates and speaking with brokers and insurers about recent changes to Thai law and their implications.
Another key trend is how interconnected the legal landscape is becoming. More matters now involve cross-border elements. A data breach in Australia, for instance, can trigger legal issues in Thailand if Thai data subjects are affected.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
For some reason, people are always surprised to learn that I’ve been a vegetarian for 37 years – I suppose I don’t quite fit the stereotype!
Looking ahead, what’s a professional and/or personal goal you’re excited to pursue?
I recently completed my first case as an arbitrator and really enjoyed the experience. It’s something I’d like to do more of, and I’m aiming to become a go-to arbitrator in the region.
Find out more about WK in Asia
Wotton Kearney’s Asia team is actively engaged in matters across Asia Pacific and beyond and their experience includes matters in London, New York, the Middle East & North Africa and throughout the Asia Pacific region. We’re equipped to handle reinsurance advisory and disputes on a global scale.
Whether it’s advisory, mediation, international arbitration, or High Court litigation, we’re committed to delivering results wherever our clients need us. Click below to find out more.