In our next Q&A with recently appointed senior lawyers, we get to know Sydney Senior Associate and recoveries specialist Nicholas Maiorana.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Senior Associate at W+K

I started my career working as a Law Clerk at the Crown Solicitor’s Office in 2010. This proved to be a great introduction to the legal profession. I was admitted in 2011 and accepted a position as a junior solicitor in a smaller CBD based commercial and insurance litigation firm. Over the next 8 years, I worked within the general insurance teams at two well established mid-tier law firms. I acted on a variety of matters ranging from defending trade and construction related disputes and public and product liability claims. I also acted in coverage disputes involving allegations of fraud, non-disclosure or misrepresentation and prosecuted subrogated recovery actions in all Australian jurisdictions.

In 2018, I was promoted to Senior Associate in my previous role and was fortunate enough to have completed a secondment within the claims team of a global insurer which gave me fantastic insight into the insurance industry.

I accepted a role as Senior Associate with Wotton Kearney in August 2019, having practised exclusively in the area of insurance and commercial disputes for the duration of my career. I am relishing the opportunity to work amongst the best in the industry and develop my technical skills as a professional and as part of the W+K team.

What made you decide to become a lawyer?

I did well in high school so a career in medicine or the law seemed appropriate. I was a keen writer and advocate and chose to enrol in a combined Law and Communication (Journalism) degree. As a 17-year-old recent school leaver, I started my first semester of my combined law degree at UTS in 2006. Within the first year I knew I wanted to be a lawyer (and not a journalist!). I found the law to be interesting and intellectually challenging – I liked the idea of pursuing a career that would provide some variety and challenge while keeping me on my toes!

What is the best piece of advice (work or personal) you’ve been given?

“You don’t win and lose – you win and learn”. In my personal and professional life, I make a point of learning from my experiences, whether they be good or bad.

What do you think is a major issue facing your area of insurance law?

In an ever-competitive legal services market in the insurance industry, ensuring consistent quality and a pragmatic approach is provided to clients whilst maintaining commerciality. A thorough costs benefit analysis and risk assessment is paramount to achieve the best outcomes for insurer clients whilst remaining cognisant of commercial pressures and realities.

What do you enjoy most about working at W+K?

The opportunity for professional growth and to work on challenging and diverse matters alongside some of the best insurance and litigation lawyers in Australia.

I am excited to be a part of such a dynamic, forward thinking and innovative firm at W+K.

What do you get up to outside of law?

Family, friends and sport – the three things I couldn’t live without! I love spending time with the people that are closest to me – and supporting my beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs!

Complete this sentence: If i wasn’t a lawyer, i would be…

A psychiatrist – i have always found the human mind fascinating.