David Kearney co-founded the firm in 2002. The vision then was to be the pre-eminent insurance law firm in Australasia and whilst W+K has moved into aligned markets, the firm remains on track to achieve that goal. As W+K’s CEP, he leads the firm in its response to transforming insurance and legal services industries.

He practised insurance law for over 25 years in most classes of commercial insurance. Recognised internationally for his expertise, David has been ranked as the only Eminent Practitioner in insurance law in Australia by Chambers Asia Pacific since 2016. The Legal 500 Asia Pacific has consistently rated David as a Leading Individual and Insurance Business Magazine has again included David in its highly regarded annual “Hot List” of key influencers in the sector.

David is passionate about continuing W+K’s development as a successful legal business. In 2019, he engineered the firm’s move to a corporate structure, mindful of the investment required to succeed in a transforming market for legal services. In 2022, he led a partial sale of the business to private equity firm Straight Bat, a first for legal services in this region.

Apart from the success of the firm he co-founded, David is most proud of the quality of talent which has progressed through the business to partial ownership, and of W+K’s Pro Bono and Responsible Business Program, Community Footprint.