AUSTRALASIANLAWYER.COM.AU
Damian Clancy, Colin Biggers & Paisley Admitted: 2008
The largest Australian insurance claim made against London insurers in almost 20 years is among the many notable matters on Damian’s CV. He also played a key role on the team that worked on the most recent Westpoint litigation against its former lawyers, in which the insured was completely successful in its defence of that proceeding. In addition, Damian was part of the team that defended the chairman of the Great Southern Group in a significant class action brought by investors.
Lauren Fieldus, Wotton + Kearney Admitted: 2011
Fieldus’s rapidly developing expertise in financial claims has already caught the attention of senior practitioners. She has acted in a number of complex class actions, D&O and other professional indemnity claims, including representing a director in the Federal Court class action against Octaviar Administration, and representing insurers in respect of the recent failure of a national retail organisation. Before joining W+K in 2012, Fieldus worked as Tipstaff to the Honourable Justice Marks, with whom she co-authored a book on the new work, health and safety legislation. She has also represented two asylum seekers pro bono in their judicial review appeals in the Federal Circuit Court.
Luke Russell, Sparke Helmore Admitted: 2012
Russell is an up-and-coming insurance lawyer who specialises in general commercial insurance, focusing on liability claims. Working closely with a senior practitioner, he has already tackled a wide range of litigation matters, ranging from large-scale property damage disputes to intentional tort claims, labour hire cases and construction cases. His recent work includes assisting a prominent church in its preparation and appearance before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
David Carolan, Hall & Wilcox Admitted: 2012
In just two years Carolan has demonstrated his ability in indemnity disputes and fraud claims; public and product liability; property damage (both recoveries and defended claims); and accident towing disputes. He works tirelessly for his clients, which include Insurance Australia Group, CGU Insurance, QBE Insurance, and Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd. Although still in the early years of his career, Carolan has already had a diverse range of experiences in the law. Prior to commencing practice in Victoria, he undertook internships with the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Katie Shanks, Wotton + Kearney Admitted: 2010
A growing talent in property and industrial special risks insurance, Shanks was a core solicitor on the W+K team established to advise insurer clients across their portfolio of commercial and institutional losses following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. She contributed to the successful resolution of a large number of claims, which required careful technical and strategic analysis on behalf of the firm’s insurer clients. In July 2014, Katie was promoted to senior associate in recognition of her expertise and remarkable contribution to the firm’s earthquakes team.
Michael Rumore, Colin Biggers & Paisley Admitted: 2010
Rumore rapidly ascended to senior associate in the professional indemnity, coverage and policy drafting segments of CBP’s insurance practice. He has also played an integral role in building CBP’s presence in the public/general liability sphere. Prior to settling in insurance, he worked in construction law and property law. Rumore is a keen contributor to life at his firm. Along with a colleague, he set up the Young Professionals Group to help represent the interests of the younger lawyers at the firm.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | 25