Wearne, who joined Kennedys as a partner in Melbourne in June 2024 and serves on the firm’s global governance group, has more than 30 years’ experience in financial lines disputes. Her work includes coverage advice and defence of complex financial lines litigation, professional indemnity matters, regulatory disputes, and class actions. “I am genuinely energised by the opportunity to lead the Australian firm at such an exciting time. Our partners and employees are dedicated and driven, and I look forward to working with James Melvin and our colleagues across the Australian offices to strengthen and grow our practice and continuing to offer outstanding services,” Wearne said. Jonathan Wyatt, who has served as Australian managing partner for three years, will step back from that role and return his focus to practice. Kennedys said revenue in the Asia-Pacific region has increased by about 50% over the past five years and that the firm recorded 13% revenue growth to $848 million in fiscal 2025, the same year it marked 25 years since opening its first Asia-Pacific office in Hong Kong.