Hall & Wilcox‘s insurance practice demonstrates considerable expertise in general and statutory insurance claims. The team counts major insurers, corporate insurers, state government schemes, reinsurers, insurance intermediaries, and financial institutions as key clients which it advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Its top areas of instruction include cyber insurance, headed by Eden Winokur, property and construction liability claims, led by Melbourne-based Matt McDonald, and Chris Sacré leads the marine insurance group. Philip Hopley heads the non-contentious offering, while Gemma Dehn and newly-made partner Bridget Wall (in Brisbane) specialise in professional indemnity product lines and complex coverage issues. Rhett Slocombe chairs the practice from its Sydney office where all of the practitioners mentioned are based unless otherwise stated.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'For a practice to be unique requires experienced, dynamic individuals that understand the implications of law but most importantly have the strength and ability to advise on commercial strategy. I believe that the Individuals I have worked with at Hall & WIilcox met this requirement.'
- 'The team has an excellent group of lawyers including partners with specialist experience in various areas including commercial contracts and M&A.'
- 'I highly recommend Philip Hopley. He is excellent as a specialist lawyer and has an incredible way of making complex concepts palatable to the business to understand. He can articulate clearly the commercial impacts on the business and is very considerate and courteous to everyone.'
- 'A national firm with offerings across a wide range of specialties within the insurance industry. Engaged Partners willing to work with clients to achieve outcomes.'
- 'Exceptional legal knowledge and skills particularly around insurance law coupled with very open, honest, and easy going communication. We have partnered with the firm on many successful individual and group actions and innovative processes.'
Key clients
- Insurance Australia Ltd
- Allianz
- CommInsure
- QBE
- Lloyd’s of London/London Market Insurers
- Lexon Insurance Pte Ltd
- Statutory schemes across Australia
- Registered life insurers and friendly societies
- Underwriting agencies
Work highlights
- Acting for IAG, Allianz and CommInsure, and more than 200 of their insureds, in a major class action following a bushfire in Parkerville, Western Australia in 2014.
- Successfully defending IAG against a claim for over $1.3 million including damages, costs and interest following storm damage to the Plaintiff’s property.
- Successfully defending a Queensland solicitor and his insurer in negligence proceedings, brought by the widow and two daughters of Queensland mining magnate Ken Talbot, who alleged our client failed to finalise Talbot’s new will before he died, causing loss of financial benefits.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Curll, Anastasia Coutsouvelis, Grant Galvin, Terry Killian, Matt McDonald, Anton Vucak