Gilchrist Connell adds new principals and special counsel to Sydney team

Gilchrist Connell adds new principals and special counsel to Sydney team | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

Gilchrist Connell adds new principals and special counsel to Sydney team

New hires to bolster firm’s insurance capabilities

Insurance News

By
Roxanne Libatique

Gilchrist Connell (GC) has announced the addition of two principals and a special counsel to its Sydney office, aiming to bolster its national liability practice.

This strategic move is part of the firm’s efforts to enhance its service offerings in the insurance industry.

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Gilchrist Connell’s new principals

Melissa Fenton (pictured above left) and Candice Ingleton (pictured above right) join as principals, bringing extensive litigation experience.

Fenton’s practice includes advising insurers and professionals on general liability, property damage, strata law, professional indemnity, and commercial insurance claims. She has been practicing for over three decades and is highly regarded in the industry.

Ingleton specialises in general liability insurance, personal injury, professional indemnity, property damage, and strata law. She is an active member of the insurance community and serves on the committee of the Association for Women in Insurance NSW.

Gilchrist Connell’s new special counsel

Christopher Harrison joins the two principals as special counsel. He has significant expertise in general liability, professional indemnity, property damage, disciplinary proceedings, medical negligence claims, and historical abuse claims.

GC managing principal Richard Wood said the latest appointments will significantly enhance the capabilities of the firm’s Sydney operations.

“Melissa, Candice, and Chris’ appointment to Gilchrist Connell is an important milestone in our firm’s ongoing commitment to provide its clients with market leading expertise in key areas of demand,” he said.

GC chief people officer Belinda Cohen highlighted the firm’s commitment to gender equality.

“Melissa and Candice’s arrival continues our dedication to achieving gender equality in our leadership. We are making great strides. Our executive is 50% female and 50% male, and 46% of our partnership is female,” she said.

Gilchrist Connell’s recently appointed special counsels

The four new special counsels in GC’s Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney offices are expected to enhance the firm’s insurance and workplace law expertise.

In Melbourne, Richard Scougall joined the employment law and workplace relations team. He advises on workplace disputes and works with HR managers and leadership to provide practical solutions.

Denise Bowen, joining the Perth team, has a background as both a solicitor and nurse. An accredited mediator, she brings extensive experience in managing civil claims, FOI requests, professional indemnity, and catastrophic injury claims.

Also in Perth, Lauren Rathbone has significant experience in commercial and insurance litigation, providing legal assistance to both individual and corporate clients across various industries.

In Sydney, Nicholas Maiorana specialises in commercial subrogated recoveries and has expertise in property, construction, and professional risks. He often acts as defence counsel in complex construction and engineering-related disputes.