In our next Q&A with recently promoted senior lawyers, we get to know Melbourne partner and general liability specialist Jonathan Maher.

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

I’ve been very lucky in that my journey, whilst meandering at times, has been pretty stress-free. After University I cut my teeth as a plaintiff medical negligence lawyer for 4 years, before switching over to the light/dark side (depending on your perspective). I had a really interesting 5 year sojourn in London working for the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defence in a variety of areas (general liability, administrative law, immigration, European human rights), before returning to my private insurance roots here at W+K in 2012. Over the 7 years since I’ve become certain that W+K is the firm that I want to commit my career to because of its pre-eminence, ambition and culture.

What made you decide to become a lawyer?

My mum says that as a child I was constantly asking ‘why?’ and as a teenager constantly arguing, so it’s a bit of a mystery really… To be honest, I’ve always just loved the combination of problem-solving, intellectual stimulation, pressure, precision of language and advocacy that is part and parcel of the job.

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

‘Go home, think about it, and send it tomorrow’.

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

The exponential increase in claimant costs and the impediment they are becoming in terms of claim resolution.

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

Being part of a place that is at the pinnacle of insurance litigation, and yet remains incredibly progressive, fun, diverse and flexible.

What do you get up to outside of law?

I have a 4 year old son so basically I moonlight as a dinosaur, lion, clown, space-monster, shop customer, cowboy, pack horse, bouncing castle and punching bag.

Complete this sentence – If i wasn’t a lawyer, I would be..

Working as a ski instructor in France, constantly arguing with my clients and asking ‘pour quoi?’