In our next Q&A with recently promoted partners, we get to know Melbourne based Health and Workplace specialist, Chris Spain.


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

I started my career as a paralegal and then a graduate at a national law firm. It was a terrific experience and I gravitated towards employment law and representing clients in the health sector. I then moved to a boutique firm with my supervising partner, focussing on representing the members of medical defence organisations and private clients in the health sector.

After six years of private practice, I decided to broaden my experience by moving in-house to a national insurer. In that role, I managed the national liability claims portfolio for a wide range of clients, including hospitals, aged care facilities and school networks. It was in this role that I got to know W+K as a client.

W+K want to grow a market leading health and employment practice on a national basis, and that suits me down to the ground. I became a partner at W+K in July 2021 with this objective in mind.

What made you decide to become a lawyer?

My mum is a lawyer which has always been a big influence for me. I decided to study law because I loved Legal Studies in VCE and because maths and science isn’t my strong suit! It wasn’t until I got my first experience as a summer clerk and paralegal that I made up my mind to practice as a lawyer. I’ve always enjoyed finding answers to problems, and that’s still what motivates me.

Some people might also say that I’m a lawyer because I like trying to prove that I’m right. That may or may not be true!

What do you think is a major issue facing your area of insurance law?

Legal costs – it’s the first, second and third priority. It’s so important to provide real costs certainty and value for money for our insurer clients. The other side of the coin is to look for early resolution options where appropriate to limit the claimant’s costs. These are the issues I’m focussed on every day.

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

I have two pieces of advice that guide me at work. The first one is to ask would you be happy if that email or letter was published on the front page of the Herald Sun? If not, don’t send it.

The second one is don’t just present a problem – you need to think about a possible solution to the problem.

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

I love the fact that W+K is a genuinely flexible workplace. Our default answer is ‘yes’ and there is a real willingness to fully support good ideas. This approach means we have a great team and there’s plenty of exciting things in the pipeline!

What do you get up to outside of law?

I’m a Dad to a very busy two year old boy, so that keeps me pretty busy. I also love all things sport, particularly cricket, tennis and the mighty Hawthorn Football Club. Basically if it’s a sport with a ball, I’ll play/watch/talk about it.

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

Opening the bowling for Australia on Boxing Day. I think the Test team is really crying out for a gentle medium pacer who can’t bat.