National law firm Barry Nilsson has strengthened its insurance practice ahead of expected robust growth for the global insurance sector in 2025, announcing 15 internal promotions including seven solicitors in the Brisbane office.
From 1 January 2025, Barry Nilsson (BN) will appoint four Special Counsel, six Senior Associates and four Associates across its national Insurance and Health Law practice, as well as a new marketing officer.
Brisbane promotions are Associates Emma Hickman and Rachael Ostenfeld; Senior Associates Elizabeth Boyle, Georgia Johnson, James Meehan and Krishna Alister, and Special Counsel Lisa Fairley.
BN Chairperson and Insurance and Health Principal Peter Murdoch said the promotions reflected the firm’s strategic objectives and commitment to attract and retain the best legal talent within the high-demand practice area of insurance law.
“These promotions, and the 27 promotions in July this year, align with our 2025 strategic goals to develop and nurture our people and their career progression and highlight the rewarding career paths on offer at Barry Nilsson,” he said.
“It’s excellent to see an additional 15 next generation leaders within the firm identified and recognised for their expertise and talent.”
Lisa Fairley
Lisa was admitted in 2013 and joined the firm in October 2020. She specialises in health law.
Krishna Alister
Krishna has been practising for six years, and has been at the firm for two years. He specialises in personal injury and insurance.
Elizabeth Boyle
Elizabeth was admitted four and half years ago, but has worked in personal injury for almost eight years. She joined the firm in September 2023. Elizabeth specialises in injury and casualty work.
Georgia Johnson
Georgia was admitted in April 2018. She joined the firm in September 2021. Georgia’s speciality is insurance, specialising in personal injury litigation. She has a background in all areas of personal injury and has worked for both defendant and plaintiff firms.
James Meehan
James was admitted in November 2020 and joined the firm in January 2020. He specialises in medical negligence and public liability claims.
Emma Hickman
Emma been practising for three years but was admitted in 2017. She joined the firm in March 2023. Emma specialises in personal injury insurance.
Rachael Ostenfeld
Rachael was admitted in August 2023 and joined the firm in November 2023. She specialises in general liability and institutional abuse.
Mr Murdoch said the significant number of women among the new promotions reflected the firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
“We have achieved our strategic target of more than 40 per cent female representation at leadership level and remain committed to nurturing an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued, and fairly rewarded, for their unique contributions,” he said.
We help firms and their teams celebrate promotions and new appointments. Please email details of any lawyer promotions or appointments to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of their areas of expertise and achievements, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image.
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