CONFERENCE DINNER - Barry Nilsson Law

For 60 years, Barry Nilsson has been shaping a better legal experience

With more than 200 specialist lawyers, our national Insurance & Health practice combines deep industry knowledge with local expertise and the highest standards of client service. We partner with insurers, brokers, self-insureds and re-insurers to tailor legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes across all lines of insurance, within a broad range of industries.

We understand that in order to protect customers from risk, insurers need to anticipate what lies ahead and have the ability to pivot in the face of complex and interconnected challenges – from global market conditions and unpredictable events, to regulatory and legislative changes. Our expert team has the depth of experience and agility to help our clients navigate this complex risk landscape.

We care deeply about what we do. We also care deeply about how we do it. Our values and culture reflect our priorities as a firm, and our commitment to our clients, our people and to making a meaningful difference.

Find out more at www.bnlaw.com.au

WELCOME RECEPTION - Carter Newell Lawyers

Carter Newell is renowned for providing specialist legal and industry expertise.  Since its inception 35 years ago, the firm has grown to be one of the largest insurance practices in Australia with a team of 65 lawyers specialising in all areas of insurance law, servicing clients both domestically and internationally.

Carter Newell assists clients with general liability (property and injury) and professional liability claims arising from an extensive range of industries including construction and engineering, retail, real estate and professional services, as well as niche areas such as aviation and life sciences.

Consistent with the firm’s broader mission to assist clients to make informed business decisions with confidence, Carter Newell’s expertise spans beyond its insurance practice and offers clients expert legal services in construction, projects and infrastructure; corporate legal services; and dispute resolution and litigation.

More than 20 of our insurance lawyers have been recognised in Best Lawyers in Australia 2024 Edition as specialists in Insurance Law, Professional Malpractice Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation.

Carter Newell is also recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a leading Professional Indemnity Law Firm and Public & Product Liability Law Firm (Defendant).

In its insurance practice, Carter Newell has a long-standing association with AILA, with a number of the firm’s Partners proud AILA members including Rebecca Stevens, who holds a Life Membership with 23 years of association, including having served on the AILA National Board.

KENNEDYS

Kennedys is a global insurance and litigation firm with more than 2,750 staff across 45 offices in the UK, EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas. We have specialised in insurance law in Australia since 2006 with 24 partners and 80+ lawyers in offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. We are recognised as a Tier 1 insurance law firm by The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific.

We have extensive experience across multiple lines of insurance work, with a particular depth of expertise in professional indemnity, financial institutions, medical malpractice, casualty, D&O, public and product liability, property and construction, energy, cyber, marine, transport and employment. Kennedys has forged a reputation equally for expertise in highly technical and complex claims, and for our efficient management of low-value claims.

Our diverse client base includes domestic and international insurers and reinsurers, underwriters, Lloyd’s syndicates, global composites, captive insurance companies and self-insureds. We occupy a unique position in the legal services market in Australia – we are a local, specialised insurance law practice with leaders who also understand the London market. We can also draw on our international network of lawyers who are specialists in insurance claims and advice.

Lawcover

Lawcover is a proud sponsor of the 2024 AILA Conference, in support of the legal profession in Australia.

Lawcover is Australia’s only profession-owned, APRA regulated insurer of the legal profession. We provide PI cover to law practices in New South Wales, the ACT and NT, as well a number of national firms.

Lawcover provides broad PI protection to law practices and outstanding claims service, as well as:

• Lawcover’s Risk Management Education Program events and resources, delivered in person or online at no or low cost, attracting CPD points and comprehensive premium discounts.
• Free run-off cover for retired solicitors and/or ceased practices.
• Cyber risk cover to the value of $50,000 per practice, at no additional cost

By helping to foster an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing, Lawcover aims to assist AILA with promoting standards of excellence in the provision of legal services resulting in better outcomes for clients and the community.

Lawcover - more than insurance.

Devers List Pty Ltd

Barristers’ Clerk

Finding the appropriate Barrister for a particular brief can be a time-consuming task. Searching for someone who is appropriate to handle the case, contacting them and ensuring that they are available on the day of the hearing are all questions to which a Clerk can provide answers promptly and efficiently.

As the Barristers’ Clerk have detailed knowledge about the availability of the barristers on their list via the latest software diary sync technology, they can provide lawyers and others with up to the minute information about the availability of those barristers, as well as advising on the choice of barrister.

Halliwell

Forensic & Technical Services
Halliwell is a people-first, global organization of the most sought-after technical experts providing commercial property loss investigative services including damage failure analysis, origin and cause, and restoration solutions to corporations, insurance companies, law firms and government agencies in locations throughout the world. Our professional team of multi-disciplines consultants provide expert information and advice that can be relied on by our clients to make informed decisions.

Our specialist services include:

• Risk Management – Application of decades of major loss experience to identify and mitigate property, plant, equipment and process risks.
• Forensic Fire & Engineering Failure Investigations – Establish the cause of fire and engineering failure to determine the relevant liability ramifications.
• Building Consultancy & Quantity Surveying – Restoration advice including building surveying, contract administration & engineer to contract, technical surveying, quantity surveying and project financial services.
• Engineering & Construction Expert Opinion – Credible forensic and technical experts, experienced at presenting technical findings to Federal & State Courts, Coronial Inquiries, and Industrial & Commercial incident investigation.

Halliwell has national presence throughout Australia and New Zealand through its office in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Further information can be found at our website www.halliwellglobal.com/apacregion or call 1800 434 737

Liberty Specialty Markets

Liberty Specialty Markets is part of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Group. With 110 years of experience, stable financial ratings and $49b in annual consolidated revenue, brokers who insure with us know their clients are backed by the strength of a group that’s larger than the entire Australian insurance industry.

Liberty’s fully integrated team of underwriters, risk engineers, credit analysts and claims professionals combine their experience to truly understand your needs, provide tailored levels of cover and offer outstanding advice on our global specialist lines.

And because we’re a mutual, we’re able to focus on delivering benefits to our brokers and policyholders, without shareholder conflict. This gives us a unique perspective, helps us make better decisions, deliver innovative solutions, and pursue our goals to benefit our partners – helping them protect what they earn, build and own.

Sedgwick Australia

Sedgwick is one of the largest claims management services companies in the world. With the collective experience and expertise of over 33,000 employees worldwide, and more than 700 colleagues across Australia, Sedgwick deals with insurers, brokers, lawyers and corporate risk managers, assisting with a diverse range of services including: third party administration, specialist loss adjusting (property, liability, marine, cyber, construction, engineering & resources), forensic accounting, building consultancy, repair solutions, workers compensation and workforce absence. Fore mor information visit Sedgwick.com.

KEYNOTE SESSION - Gilchrist Connell

Gilchrist Connell is a leading national insurance sector law firm, operating in all Australian jurisdictions.

We are trusted by clients to provide commercial, solutions focused advice and representation and for our fresh approach to legal services. Our team of over 150 lawyers advises insurers, reinsurers, brokers, underwriting agencies, self-insureds, insureds and businesses operating both nationally and globally across all lines of insurance. In addition, we provide front end solutions tailored specifically for the insurance sector, including employment, WHS, corporate, commercial and regulatory and Insurtech advice, enabling us to service the insurance sector at all stages of the business life cycle.

FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting is an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes, including financial, legal, operational, political and regulatory, reputational and transactional.

FTI Consulting professionals, located in all major business centres throughout the world, work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and opportunities. Our diverse team includes forensic accountants, lawyers, economists, journalists, e-discovery experts, and insolvency practitioners.

Jensen McConaghy

Jensen McConaghy are defendant insurance litigation experts based in Brisbane and Cairns. We are market leaders, with the largest statutory insurance practice in Queensland and a team of talented lawyers with many years’ experience in bringing about desirable outcomes for clients.

Our expertise is demonstrated by our enviable track record in public, products and property liability, compulsory third party, workers compensation, and commercial insurance claims.

We have five Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists in our team and have regularly achieved optimal rankings for performance across the legal service provider panel of our largest Queensland workers compensation insurer client.

Jensen McConaghy is at the forefront of industry issues and we have developed successful lasting partnerships with some of the biggest corporations, insurers and employers in Brisbane, Queensland and Australia.

Relationship, resolution, result is our mantra.

Wotton + Kearney

Wotton + Kearney is one of Asia Pacific’s leading specialist insurance and risk law firms. Founded in 2002, W+K has grown from two partners to be a recognised leader in insurance law with 86 partners and over 450 legal staff across 10 offices in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. W+K is the ‘go-to’ firm in the region for the majority of local, global and London market insurers, as well as local brokers and corporate insureds, particularly with the more complex issues facing the market. The firm is highly regarded in the areas of complex property, energy and infrastructure claims, general liability (including product liability, property damage and public liability), and financial lines (including D&O, regulatory investigations and professional liability claims). W+K also has specialist teams in the areas of cyber and technology, environmental liability, government, healthcare, marine and transport, media and defamation, safety and workplace, as well as a dedicated commercial litigation and class actions offering.

Surveillance Central

With an extensive network of over 100 highly experienced and professional Surveillance Operatives across the country Surveillance Central consistently achieve exceptional results for clients and have earned a reputation for reliability and professionalism throughout the industry.

Rod Trevor has been a licensed Investigator for 24 years (since April 2000) during which time he has managed and co-ordinated over 6500 surveillance investigations and personally conducted surveillance out in the field in over 800 matters.

In 2010 Rod established Surveillance Central specializing in personal injury and corporate investigations. Rod and his team undertake surveillance investigations for Australian and International clients including numerous large corporations, self-insurers, insurance companies, government agencies and law firms.

CLARITY WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

Clarity Workplace Solutions are experts in personal injury investigations. We exist to help you make the complex clear, so you can make the most informed decisions possible. Our team has experience in workers compensation claims management, commerce, psychology, law, HR and OH&S. We strive to make a positive impact in everything we do and at our clients’ workplaces.

LKA GROUP

LKA Group is a premier investigation and loss adjusting service provider dedicated to supporting the insurance and legal industry with precise and efficient investigative  and assessing solutions. With commitment to innovation, LKA helps insurers validate claims, assess liability, combat fraud, and manage risks effectively. We combine cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of industry dynamics to deliver reliable, high-quality results and customer satisfaction.

1. Specialised Expertise

• Industry Knowledge: LKA Group has thirty-five years’ experience providing support to our national clients.
• Highly Trained Professionals: Our expert investigator and loss adjusters are equipped with the skills to deliver thorough and accurate results.

2. Client-Focused Service We match individual investigators to each investigation ensuring necessary skill set for best outcomes.
3. Service commitment:  We provide timely, reliable and independent information, education and advice, allowing our clients to make well-informed decisions.
4. Advanced Technology

• Innovative Tools: We leverage the latest in investigative technology, including AI-driven analytics, geospatial analysis and digital tools and forensics, to enhance accuracy and speed.
• Resource Optimisation: We match investigators to each investigation, which ensures the necessary skill set is used to provide concise reporting that references each area and assists clients in determining outcomes.

5. Ethical Standards, Training and Compliance

• Compliance: Adhere to all industry regulations and ethical guidelines, to ensure integral and transparent investigations.  Provide ongoing training to team members across each state, keeping abreast of new legislations, policies and new/improved training aids.
• Data Security: Protect client information with robust security measures to maintain confidentiality and trust.

Conclusion
LKA is committed to delivering superior investigative services that empower insurance companies to operate with confidence and integrity. Our expertise, technology and client-centric solutions position us as a trusted partner in the fight against fraud and the drive for operational excellence.

Pinkertons

Pinkerton, a global security and detective agency, has recently expanded its operations in Australia through the strategic acquisition of Verifact. Verifact is an Australian-based company specializing in investigations, which has been acquired by Pinkerton to enhance its investigative services and reach across the region. This move allows Pinkerton to offer expanded services to new clients in Australia and bolsters its capabilities in the field of risk management and security services. The acquisition of Verifact Investigations by Pinkerton is seen as an opportunity to strengthen Pinkerton's presence and offerings in Australia.

Thomson Geer Lawyers

Thomson Geer supports clients across a broad spectrum of insurance lines.

We practice in public and product liability, professional indemnity, workers compensation, employment practices liability, directors’ and officers’, contractor’s all risk, property, industrial special risk and life insurance claims.

We draft policy wordings, provide regulatory advice and pre-contractual advice in relation to insurance policy wordings and contractual insurance and indemnity clauses and act in disputes arising out of denials of indemnity.

We are also engaged by boards of directors and chief executive officers to undertake insurance reviews and advise on the type and amount of cover required, particularly directors’ and officers’ insurance.

Independent Medical Opinion

Independent Medical Opinion has been the leading provider of personal injury assessment services in Australia since 1992. Our highly qualified panel consists of

600+ medical specialists and allied health professionals across Australia, who provide services to insurers, lawyers, government agencies, and employers.

All experts partnering with our organisation understand that professional reputation is paramount, ensuring all opinions are based on accurate medical and objective

clinical evidence delivered at the highest legal standard.

Services We Offer:

• Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
• Injury Management Consultations (IMC)
• Psychiatric Evaluations
• Telehealth Assessments
• Psychological Evaluations (Psychometric Testing)
• Neuropsychological Evaluations (Psychometric Testing)
• Fitness for Work Assessments
• Worksite Assessments
• File Reviews
• Medication Reviews
• Employability Assessments
• Activity of Daily Living
• Assessments (ADL) Panel Assessments

Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton Australia has a dedicated forensics team specialising in expert witness engagements involving insurance and commercial disputes, investigations, financial crime and digital forensics.

Our forensics team has the skill, expertise and experience from acting in a wide range of insurance disputes for plaintiff and defendants including business interruptions (BI), product claims, professional negligence (both quantum and liability), W&I claims, faulty products or service, building and property claims and complex personal injury matters.

Our team work closely with solicitors, barristers and clients to identify the key issues, providing robust and clear reporting. Whether it’s an initial review or evidence in Court, our experts have the right experience to assist in all financial issues arising in insurance litigation and claims.

Grant Thornton Australia is a member firm of the Grant Thornton International global network, a world-leading, independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firm. We have 1,500+ people across our offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Cairns and our forensic experts have experience in giving evidence in federal and state jurisdictions across Australia.

BMS

BMS provides specialist insurance broking and risk management solutions to thousands of companies Australia wide. We are an international brand, with offices spanning the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, blending global reach with individual market knowledge. Our personal service combined with our national buying power enables us to deliver competitive insurance packages for businesses of all sizes and industries. BMS’s goal is to safeguard our clients’ by truly understanding their needs and becoming a natural extension of their team.

The success of BMS in Australia stems from our extensive understanding of the local market, thorough data analysis, and world-class expertise, enabling us to secure a wide array of tailored products and provide advice on the solutions to best-fit individual clients’ needs. We specialise in strategic insurance packages, innovative risk management solutions, and personalised claims management services. Our offices located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, ensure seamless service for clients nationwide, removing the stress of insurance management.