Wotton Kearney has announced the promotion of 43 outstanding lawyers across the firm, effective 1 July 2025. This includes the elevation of 3 new Partners, 16 Special Counsel, 10 Senior Associates and 14 Associates, representing the firm’s offices across the Asia Pacific.

These promotions reflect the depth and breadth of our talent in insurance law and risk advisory across a wide range of practice areas – including Commercial Litigation, Cyber, Privacy and Technology, Financial Lines, General Liability, Health, Professional and Financial Risks, Property, Energy and Infrastructure, and Workplace and Safety.

Introducing Wotton Kearney’s new Partners

Breannon Bailey – Health, Sydney

Breannon specialises in healthcare and public liability insurance, with expertise in medical malpractice and personal injury claims. She defends insurers and health professionals across Australia, advises on disciplinary matters, and acts for local and international underwriters.

Christy Mellifont – Cyber, Privacy and Technology, Melbourne

Christy specialises in professional indemnity and D&O claims, with a focus on defending technology and construction professionals and advising insurers on high-value coverage disputes. She partners with insurers, their insured clients, and corporate technology providers to tackle some of today’s toughest technology risks.

Rachel White – Property, Energy and Infrastructure, Sydney

Rachel advises Australian and international property, construction and energy insurers on major losses and complex indemnity matters, known for her clear communication and practical legal advice. She acts on high-value subrogated recoveries and coverage disputes involving CAR and ISR policies, focusing on clear outcomes.

Congratulations to our other newly promoted lawyers:

Special Counsel

Senior Associate

  • Alex Odman – Property, Energy and Infrastructure, Brisbane
  • Brianna Clark – General Liability, Sydney
  • Carmen Yong – Cyber, Privacy and Technology, Sydney
  • Denisa Zezulka – General Liability, Canberra
  • George Kift – Commercial Litigation, Melbourne
  • Julia Park – Professional and Financial Risks, Sydney
  • Mantita Yeo – Property, Energy and Infrastructure, Singapore
  • Melissa Castelino – Professional and Financial Risks, Sydney
  • Nathaniel Loh – Property, Energy and Infrastructure, Singapore
  • Nick Salagaras – Commercial Litigation, Sydney

Associate

  • Daisy Barltrop – General Liability, Sydney
  • Deniz Coskundag – Commercial Litigation, Melbourne
  • Elle Belligoi – General Liability, Melbourne
  • Ellon Cai – Professional and Financial Risks, Brisbane
  • Gabrielle Carswell – General Liability, Melbourne
  • Grace Delfendahl – Professional and Financial Risks, Sydney
  • Lillian Dooley – General Liability, Melbourne
  • Megan Rosato – General Liability, Melbourne
  • Nhu Tran – General Liability, Sydney
  • Patrick Gayen – General Liability, Adelaide
  • Ryan Goubran – Professional and Financial Risks, Sydney
  • Sonia Mackie – General Liability, Melbourne
  • Steph Cook – Professional and Financial Risks, Brisbane
  • Tenille Lazenby – General Liability, Perth

WK also celebrated a promotion within its shared services team, with Ellie Perry stepping into the role of Talent Acquisition Manager. Ellie plays a key role behind the scenes helping WK find and grow great talent – congratulations!

This latest wave of promotions follows a landmark year for Wotton Kearney. Key milestones include the launch of our first Asian office in Singapore in June 2024, a bold brand refresh in November 2024, and the opening of our Bangkok office in May 2025.

Since our founding in 2002, Wotton Kearney has grown to more than 90 partners and over 550 lawyers, with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Singapore, and Bangkok.

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