Wotton + Kearney taps new talent to strengthen Melbourne office
Wotton + Kearney has appointed Sarah Metcalfe as a partner in its Melbourne office, continuing its strategic expansion. Metcalfe joins the firm from Clyde & Co. Who is Sarah Metcalfe? Metcalfe (pictured) brings a wealth of experience in insurance disputes, focusing on complex, multi-party building and construction cases. She has represented architecture firms, contractors, building surveyors, and engineering firms in a variety of legal proceedings, arbitrations, and disciplinary actions. She is also noted for her work in high-profile construction-related coverage disputes, such as the Victorian test case on ACP cladding, known as the Lacrosse case. “I am delighted to join Wotton + Kearney, a firm that is recognised for its excellence and innovation in insurance and risk law and its people focused culture,” Metcalfe said. “I look forward to working with our firm’s talented team of lawyers and contributing to the firm’s growth and success.” Andrew Moore, head of financial lines at Wotton + Kearney, said Metcalfe’s appointment highlights the firm’s expanding team and the increasing need for expertise in the building and construction sector. “We are very pleased to welcome Sarah to our firm. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the building and construction sector, which is an area of increasing demand and complexity for our clients. Sarah has a strong track record of providing high-quality and specialised advice and representation to our insurer and insured clients across Asia Pacific,” he said. Wotton + Kearney’s growth Metcalfe’s addition to the firm follows a series of recent growth initiatives by Wotton + Kearney. In April, the firm introduced an aviation practice headed by partner James Cooper. May saw the launch of an AI solution specifically developed for the legal industry. In June, Wotton + Kearney opened its first office in Asia with a team of seven, promoted 33 lawyers including four partners, and appointed Laura Gavan to lead the employment law practice in Melbourne.