Sparke Helmore has welcomed three new partners – two in Brisbane and one in a new Cairns office – growing its Queensland presence to 16 partners and more than 100 employees.
Vanessa Maruna has joined the Planning Environment and Local Government team as a Partner and head of the new Cairns office, which opened in September. Vanessa is accompanied by two senior lawyers, Leeanne Bour-Samra and Sangeetha Badya.
Vanessa Maruna
Vanessa holds dual qualifications in law and town planning. She has worked on large-scale master planning projects and provided advice to mining companies. Her expertise lies in urban development, renewables, infrastructure, waste, compulsory acquisition and environmental approvals, compliance and enforcement.
In addition to her professional achievements, Vanessa also holds community and business leadership roles. She serves as Director and Deputy Chair of the Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health, and is a former Deputy Chair of Port North and former Chair of JUTE Theatre Company. Vanessa is also a regular presenter for the Queensland Environmental Law Association, the Planning Institute of Australia, Advance Cairns, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“I am excited to join Sparke Helmore and work with a team known for its technical excellence and collegiate culture. This is a great opportunity for my team to help build on already strong foundations and contribute to growing the practice throughout Queensland as well as provide on the ground regional support for our Northern Australian clients,” Vanessa said.
Vanessa, Leeanne and Sangeetha join from Holding Redlich.
David Kerwin
David Kerwin joined the Specialty Lines team as a Partner on 4 November. David’s experience encompasses policy coverage and defence of claims across all major insurance lines, particularly financial lines and life insurance.
He has extensive experience in acting in class action proceedings as well as for insureds in defending a range of professional negligence claims against accountants, taxation professionals, stockbrokers, financial planners, architects, engineers and other building professionals. David also advises on a range of London Market and composite insurers’ disputes concerning property and liability losses.
Additionally, in the life insurance space, he regularly provides comprehensive coverage advice to underwriters and insurers concerning policy responses in TPD, income protection, and general life insurance and including in recovery actions.
“When thinking about my next career move, this firm stood out to me as being culturally aligned to how I like to work with others and lead my team. Synergies also existed around our client base and I saw a great opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the practice. I am excited to deepen the firm’s offering in the financial lines space in Brisbane and nationally,” David said.
David was previously with Clyde & Co.
Thea Price
Thea Price joined the Workplace team as a Partner on 11 November. Thea has extensive experience advising on all aspects of employment law and workplace relations, including unfair dismissals, and industrial instrument compliance. She regularly undertakes complex workplace investigations, including bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, child protection and whistle-blower matters.
Thea assists clients in various sectors including education, retail, transport, construction, mining, electrical, manufacturing, health, farming, and agriculture, and across government-owned entities and local government.
“I am thrilled to be part of Sparke Helmore and to be working alongside a team renowned for their exceptional expertise and strategic yet empathic approach towards clients. This opportunity allows my team to join a firm that has a strong focus on cross collaboration and prioritises the wellness and collegiality of its staff,” Thea said.
Thea and her team of four – Senior Associate Francesca Musumeci, Associates Meg Neven and Claire Stevens and Senior Secretary Julia Chittick – join from HWL Ebsworth.
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