In our next Q&A with senior lawyers, we get to know Sydney Special Counsel and employment law specialist Caitilin Watson.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Special Counsel at W+K

I was interested in working for W+K as the known leader in the insurance field, assisting with premium insurance matters. Previously I led the employment and litigation team at a smaller firm where I acted for corporate clients and employers of all sizes. Employment work was approximately half of my practice because workplace disputes were a regular issue for my longstanding corporate clients. I greatly enjoy problem solving and the dedicated effort to see a claim to conclusion.

What made you decide to become a lawyer?

I’m a problem solver, a people person and love reading. I enjoy understanding the details of the issues and forming a view and strategy. My dad and uncles are lawyers, so the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, despite them trying to convince me otherwise!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given – work or personal?

A good piece of early work advice from my dad was around communication. He said great lawyers make difficult legal concepts sound simple and easy to understand. It’s usually also more persuasive. I still keep this in mind and admire it in colleagues.

What do you think is one of the biggest issues facing your area of insurance law?

There is still a lot of excitement in the market around class actions and litigation funding, both in the financial lines and the employment space. This trend is likely to continue, to develop and refine.

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

The people, everyone is easy to get along with, and the high calibre work. Complex, interesting work is a nerdy lawyer’s dream!

What do you get up to outside of law?

On a perfect day I’m at the beach with my husband, family and the dog. The beauty of the natural world never gets old and there’s always more to explore. I’m keen on yoga, sailing, skiing and bush walks. If I’m spectating, it’s professional tennis and rugby union.

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

Perhaps in publishing. Reading, editing and changing with the industry.