Wotton Kearney has appointed senior technology and advisory Partner Iain McGuire as its first Chief Technology and AI Officer, strengthening firm-wide technology capability and building on the recent launch of its Advisory practice beyond traditional legal services.
This newly created role underscores Wotton Kearney’s strategic focus on emerging technology and innovation. In May 2024, Wotton Kearney was the first Australian law firm to adopt Cicero, the first fully generative AI tool developed specifically for the Australian legal industry. Since then, the firm has continued to expand its digital transformation team, investing heavily in technology and AI to streamline workflows – enabling lawyers to focus on high-value, client-facing work.
Mr McGuire will continue to drive this momentum, leading the firm’s Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Transformation teams under a unified strategy, accelerating digital transformation and further embedding AI across the business. As a new Partner, he will also work with clients to help them navigate new emerging risks through the firm’s Advisory practice.
Mr McGuire joins from consulting firm Cognizant, a Nasdaq listed Global Technology Services firm, where he was Managing Partner & Vice President across Asia Pacific. Prior to that he held senior roles at Deloitte and PwC, leading global and regional capabilities at the intersection of Strategy, Risk and Transformation and advising enterprise and government clients on large-scale technology transformation, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and governance risk.
Mr McGuire is also a recognised industry thought leader for AI-driven services. He has been a judge for The Australian Financial Review’s AI Innovation Awards and has contributed to policy and research on emerging technology impacts, workforce transformation and AI directions across Asia Pacific and globally, reflecting his leadership in driving innovation at scale.
Wotton Kearney Chief Executive Partner, David Kearney, said the appointment reflects both client demand and the firm’s broader strategic direction.
“We’re fully committed to investing in digital transformation, optimising our IT systems, and fostering innovation to enhance our operational efficiency and improve client service delivery.”
“Iain’s appointment also strengthens our ability to bring together legal, advisory and technology capability – delivering more integrated, end-to-end solutions for our clients.”
“This is a natural next step following the launch of WK Advisory and reinforces our commitment to investing in platforms to support both our people and clients in an increasingly complex digital environment.”
Mr McGuire said the firm’s strategic direction presented a compelling opportunity.
“Wotton Kearney is at a pivotal point in its evolution,” he said.
“I’m genuinely excited to play a key role in championing cutting-edge solutions to drive our digital transformation, and shaping the future of Wotton Kearney’s new Advisory practice. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help redefine how we support our people and clients in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
Founded in 2002, Wotton Kearney now has more than 100 partners and over 750 legal professionals across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.
Media contact:
Anja Vogel, Head of Marketing and Communications, Wotton Kearney