Gilchrist Connell elevates 13 in latest promotion round

Gilchrist Connell, leading Australian insurance sector firm, announces 13 lawyer promotions across its network.

These promotions recognise outstanding talent within the firm in its Special Counsel, Senior Associate and Associate ranks, and follow the firm’s promotion of Lotta Noel (Perth) and Jacob Redden (Brisbane) to principal. All promotions are effective 1 July 2024.

We warmly congratulate:

Special Counsel

Kate Kellendonk (Perth): Kate’s practice is focussed on public liability, workers’ compensation/employers’ liability, and industrial diseases. Since 2023, Best Lawyers has recognised Kate in its ‘Ones to Watch’ insurance category.

Jade Wishart (Perth): Jade is a seasoned professional indemnity and financial lines practitioner with a skill for defending complex claims against a variety of professionals.

Myles Bryant (Sydney): Myles maintains an insurance practice focussing on public liability claims, in particular personal injury and property damage claims.

James Reid (Sydney): James is experienced leading the defence of both public liability and professional indemnity claims, particularly as they relate to solicitors, medical professionals, and real estate agents.

Senior Associate

Isabella Fyfe (Melbourne): Isabella is a highly skilled litigator advising on liability claims, including on coverage matters. Isabella regularly represents insurers and self-insureds in personal injury claims.

Naomi Schlaepfer (Perth): Naomi is an experienced insurance litigator, with particular expertise in professional indemnity matters and subrogated recoveries.

Claudio Trovato (Sydney): Claudio expertise covers both professional negligence and casualty matters. He acts on behalf of insured and self-insured entities, including solicitors’ professional indemnity, health, liability, and complex recoveries.

Linda Zeng (Sydney): Linda is an experienced professional indemnity adviser with particular expertise in coverage aspects and defence of cyber and technology claims.

Louisa Henderson (Sydney): Louisa excels in coverage and defence of professional indemnity claims, with expertise in cyber and technology related matters.

Associates

Henry Baker (Adelaide)

Debra Crossley (Perth)

Gabrielle Inga (Perth)

Caspar Hawke (Sydney)

“There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing our people grow professionally and I’m pleased to acknowledge their hard work in this way,” says Richard Wood, Managing Principal of Gilchrist Connell. “These 12 promotions, in addition to the 1 July 2024 elevations of two principals, evidence a healthy crop of emerging talent within our firm.”