Barry Nilsson has announced 18 staff promotions nationwide, including six lawyers in its Brisbane office.
The promotions also include an events manager and people and culture co-ordinator.
The appointment of Gillian Sheppard as Insurance and Health Principal will bring the firm’s principals to a total of 46, maintaining its strategic target of 40 per cent female representation at leadership level.
Insurance and Health Principal Gillian Sheppard and Special Counsel Felix Kalade.
Barry Nilsson Chairperson and Insurance and Health Principal Peter Murdoch said the promotions reflected the firm’s values and commitment to internal growth as it entered a new chapter under its 2026-28 strategic plan.
“Supporting the growth and development of our people is one of the most important investments we can make as a firm,” Peter said.
“Gillian has been a steadfast member of our team since 2003, and we are looking forward to watching as she shares her expertise with the team in her new role as Principal.”
Gillian specialises in professional indemnity and policy coverage. Her experience includes defending professional negligence claims and complaints made against professionals to tribunals and registration boards.
She acts for insurers across a broad range of professions, including solicitors, building and construction professionals, medical professionals, educational institutions, and financial advisers.
Felix Kalade (Insurance) was promoted to Special Counsel.
Peter said the significant number of Associates among the new promotions reflected a key pillar of the firm’s 2025 strategy to foster the next generation of leaders across all core lines of business.
New Associates (Insurance) Alexandra Kennard and Kayla Hathaway.
Brisbane Associates are Alexandra Kennard (Insurance), Kayla Hathaway (Insurance), Sydney Gale (Family) and Tanya Brody (Family).
New Associates (Family) Tanya Brody and Sydney Gale.
“Our strengths lie in our people, at every level, and these appointments reflect internal efforts made to identify, nurture, and challenge the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive growth and innovation across the firm to the benefit of both our clients and our culture.”
These promotions follow the recent lateral appointment of six new principals and their teams to its insurance and health practice in early December 2025, broadening the firm’s practice specialties in transaction liability, regulatory work, and general commercial litigation.
Recognised as an Employer of Choice for seven consecutive years since 2019, Barry Nilsson’s workforce grew by 13 per cent in 2025, with a national headcount of more than 500.
Business Services promotions are Ciara Popplewell (P&C Coordinator) and Margaret Harvison (Events Manager).
Proctor helps 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 images.
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