International law firm Wotton Kearney has officially opened its new office in Bangkok, Thailand, marking its 2nd office in Asia and 11th globally. The expansion builds on the firm’s successful launch in Singapore in 2024 and further strengthens its footprint across the Asia Pacific region.
The firm welcomes Ian Johnston as Partner who will lead the Thailand team. Johnston is a renowned insurance specialist and arbitrator, and his arrival to lead the new Bangkok office positions Wotton Kearney to better serve its growing client base across Asia, particularly in the energy, construction, and commercial sectors.
Ben Nicholson, Managing Partner, Asia, said the expansion into Thailand represents a significant step forward for the firm’s Asia strategy.
“Thailand is a critical market in the region, and opening in Bangkok allows us to be closer to clients operating across Southeast Asia. This is another exciting milestone in our broader Asia growth strategy,” Nicholson said. “We’re building a cohesive regional practice with deep local expertise that supports our clients across borders. Ian’s leadership and reputation in complex insurance disputes make him the ideal person to lead this next chapter,” Nicholson added.
Ian Johnston joins Wotton Kearney from Clyde & Co. Qualified in England & Wales and Hong Kong, he has practised in Asia since 1999. His core practice areas include insurance disputes related to energy, construction, property and commercial issues. Johnston also acts as an arbitrator in regional disputes and brings highly specialised experience in energy-related claims.
“I’m excited to join Wotton Kearney at such a pivotal time for the firm’s international growth,” Johnston said. “Having worked in Asia for over two decades, I know the importance of delivering technical excellence, commercial acumen, and cultural insight. The opportunity to build the firm’s Bangkok presence and collaborate with our Asia and global teams is one I welcome wholeheartedly.”
Supporting Johnston, Wotton Kearney is pleased to welcome the founding team in Bangkok: Partner Sorawat Wongkaweepairot, Associate Nuttida Doungwirote, and Team Secretary and Paralegal Tamonwan Supanukanon.
Together with our broader Asia team, they bring deep regional experience and insight into the legal and commercial complexities of the insurance sector across the Asia Pacific. This collective expertise ensures Wotton Kearney understands not only the legal landscape, but also the market dynamics that shape local approaches throughout the region.
Wotton Kearney is widely recognised as a leading insurance and risk law firm across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The opening of its Bangkok office reinforces the firm’s commitment to regional and global clients navigating increasingly complex insurance and risk environments.
Founded in 2002, Wotton Kearney now has 89 partners and over 550 lawyers across 11 offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Singapore, and Bangkok.
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