John Canning
LawyerAustralia
John Canning is an Australian aviation and asset-finance lawyer with more than 30 years of experience working in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong. He is Special Counsel at HFW and has been recognized by Chambers as a Senior Statesperson for asset finance and leasing in Australia. [2][3]
Career and work
Canning has worked in aviation and asset finance for more than 30 years, with experience in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong. He spent more than 23 years as a partner at King & Wood Mallesons before joining HFW as Special Counsel in Sydney. [2]
His work has included advising banks, aircraft lessors, airlines, and governments on aviation financing and leasing. He acted for lessors and banks during the restructuring of Virgin Australia and has advised on major aircraft financings involving Qantas. Chambers ranks him as a Senior Statesperson for Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing in Australia. [2][3]
What has been publicly discussed
- Canning was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder in 2008 after his wife encouraged him to complete a screening questionnaire on the Black Dog Institute website. [1]
- By 2014, Canning was speaking publicly about his diagnosis and experience with bipolar disorder, including at an event addressing mental health in the legal profession. [4]
- After his diagnosis, Canning was prescribed medication to manage his mood swings and worked with a psychiatrist. He has also described educating himself about bipolar disorder by reading and speaking with health professionals and other people living with the condition. [4][1]
- Canning has said that he manages his health through what he calls his “eight pillars of resilience,” which include exercise, sleep, and social connection. [5]
- Canning has described overcoming his own fear and stigma around mental illness as part of his recovery. After disclosing his bipolar disorder at work, he said that he received strong support from his colleagues and workplace. [6]
- Canning has spoken publicly about bipolar disorder and mental health in the legal profession, with a particular focus on reducing stigma and encouraging more open discussion. He has argued for law-firm cultures in which people can speak about mental illness without fear of prejudice or stigma. [4]
- At King & Wood Mallesons, he helped establish a Wellbeing Officer program and encouraged colleagues to set protected “non-negotiable” personal time as part of promoting psychological wellbeing. [4]
“Part of my recovery was overcoming self-stigma before sharing my story at work.”
— John Canning [6]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
ABC Radio National“Opening up about life with bipolar disorder” A detailed feature and audio program in which Canning discusses his Bipolar II disorder diagnosis, irritability, family experiences, efforts to understand and manage the condition, and stigma.
HFW“John Canning, Special Counsel” Current professional biography covering Canning’s aviation and asset-finance work, major matters, qualifications, and career experience.
Chambers and Partners“John Canning” Professional ranking identifying Canning as a Senior Statesperson in Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing in Australia.
View all 7 sources
Lawyers Weekly“KWM partner reveals struggle with mental illness” Reports Canning’s diagnosis, the difficult period following it, medication for mood swings, public disclosure, and work promoting mental-health awareness within the legal profession.
Marsh“Mental Health: Is Your Workplace Ready?” Profiles Canning’s experience of bipolar disorder, work with a psychiatrist, his “eight pillars of resilience,” and mental-health advocacy.
Mental Health Commission of New South WalesAnnual Report 2015–16 Documents Canning’s comments about overcoming self-stigma, recovery, disclosure, and workplace support.
Law Society of New South Wales“Being Well in the Law” Includes material on reducing mental-health stigma and promoting wellbeing in the legal profession.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about John Canning and their experiences.