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Released 11/18

New Liability Team Joins Gilchrist Connell

Following from the very recent announcement of two new Principals, national specialist insurance law firm Gilchrist Connell is thrilled to welcome one of Australia’s most dynamic liability teams to its ranks.  Led by Principals Nicole Norris and Jonathan Cutler, and based in the firm’s Melbourne office, the group brings high level experience across disputes, personal injury, recoveries and indemnity to further expand the firm’s national liability capability.

Nicole Norris, who heads the team, has more than 20 years’ experience in insurance litigation and is a specialist in the defence of personal injury claims.  She has handled many large and complex matters across all jurisdictions and states, particularly for local government and large corporates.  Fellow Principal Jonathan Cutler is highly experienced in the areas of personal injury, public liability, occupier’s liability and common law torts.  He acts in commercial disputes and handles claims involving workplace accidents and large property damage disputes as well as insurance recoveries – particularly product liability claims against manufacturers and suppliers.

The new team commences with the firm this week and comprises five professionals, with Nicole and Jonathan accompanied by Associate Jessica Rosla and Lawyer Carla Downes.  Senior Associate Sarah Tehan will follow, joining the firm in the New Year.

Managing Principal Richard Wood said, “It’s a genuine coup to be able to bring Nicole, Jono and their people on board – they are a highly regarded, tight-knit team – and can’t start too soon given the volume and demand in this space both locally in Victoria and nationally. They are a “unicorn” from our perspective – they fit with our culture and already act for several of our largest national clients.  The depth of their experience, their expertise and their approach all combine to be a perfect complement for us and to continue the growth of GC’s casualty and property practice.”

“We’ve tripled in size since launching GC in 2008 and as we continue to grow and evolve, we’re hugely gratified that a team of this calibre values the way that we work and chose to join us in preference to our competitors,” said Richard. “It has been a busy little period for us in Melbourne and we’re very proud of the way the Melbourne office has developed – due to our amazing people in that office and, of course, their wonderfully supportive client base,” he added.

Incoming Principal and team leader Nicole Norris said, “GC delivered on our wish list – it’s fantastic to now have a national presence across such a wide insurance services offering and we are looking forward to the opportunities available at GC in the casualty, liability and property space.  The firm’s friendly, progressive culture really suits how we like to work with clients and each other.”

This year, Gilchrist Connell celebrates ten years since opening in 2008.  The firm is internationally networked with The Harmonie Group, widely recognised in national law awards programs, and prominently listed in Best Lawyers, Doyle’s Guide and Chambers Asia Pacific.