Cathryn Neo is not one to shy away from a challenge. A seasoned disputes lawyer with extensive experience in international arbitration, litigation, and mediation, she made the bold leap from private practice to join Aon’s M&A and Transaction Solutions team in 2023. Her transition has been nothing short of remarkable.
“I was fortunate to be headhunted into my current role to lead the litigation and contingent risk solutions offering,” Cathryn shares. “Being the first broker in Asia to break new ground in this space excited me and motivated me to take on the challenge.”
The move came at a pivotal time in her career. Deep in trial work, she saw a unique opportunity to innovate in litigation and contingent risk solutions. “This role allowed me to not only apply my legal skills and my business development skills but also develop a commercial acumen.”
Legal Expertise That Transcends Industries
Although she moved away from traditional legal practice, Cathryn’s legal background remains invaluable. “My role involves broking litigation and contingent risk insurance solutions,” she explains. “My disputes background helps me assess cases and understand how they might evolve in litigation. It makes it easier for me to consider claim strategies when advocating a claim for the insured and to negotiate for better outcomes with insurers for our clients.”
Her experience with cross-border disputes is equally crucial. “It has helped me to understand the nuances in dealing with differences between common law vs civil law, as well as appreciate how local law could be applied differently in different jurisdictions.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Cathryn’s transition was far from easy. “Starting a new offering in the insurance industry is an uphill climb,” she admits. “I had to stop thinking like a lawyer and start thinking like an entrepreneur.”
Her initial tasks included building the product, securing supply, and generating demand. Litigation and contingent risk insurance were still relatively unknown in Asia, and skepticism was common. “I often heard, ‘Can you really insure a litigation outcome?’” she recalls. “But that only motivated me more. The lack of familiarity meant there was an untapped market.”
Advice for Lawyers Considering a Career Shift
Cathryn’s career path has been unconventional. Before practicing at leading firms and assisting prominent arbitrators, she worked in public relations . Now, at Aon, she combines her legal expertise with commercial strategy.
“Don’t view any career move as a waste of time,” she advises. “Every role teaches you something. My PR experience helps me package and educate clients on innovative solutions.”
A Memorable Milestone
One of Cathryn’s proudest moments was closing her first specific contingency risk policy, insuring the outcome of a construction arbitration. “My background in construction law and arbitration helped me explain the risk and negotiate the deal,” she says. “We closed it in just two weeks, a process that typically takes a month.”
Cathryn’s story is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and the value of legal expertise beyond the courtroom. As she continues to innovate in litigation and contingent risk solutions, she’s setting new standards for lawyers and business leaders alike.