Australian insurance law firm Gilchrist Connell has announced a set of strategic initiatives, including senior promotions, team expansion in health law, and a new cross-border partnership, aimed at reinforcing its national and international service capacity.
Effective July 1, Gilchrist Connell will promote Mariam Morad (pictured left) and Mitchell Hauser (pictured right) – both Brisbane-based special counsel with a focus on general liability – to principal.
Morad has built a practice focused on insurance coverage and public liability claims, particularly personal injury matters governed by Queensland’s Personal Injury Proceedings Act. Her professional background includes roles with major insurers and third-party administrators across Queensland and New South Wales, covering statutory and commercial claims, as well as internal legal advisory work.
Hauser also specialises in liability defence, handling a broad mix of public and product liability cases, as well as professional indemnity and workers’ compensation matters. His experience includes representing clients in sectors such as recreation, education, mining, and construction. His practice has involved matters that are often sensitive or technically complex.
Commenting on the promotions, managing principal Richard Wood, who will step down from his role in June, said the appointments not only recognise individual performance but also highlight the firm’s commitment to developing in-house expertise to meet client demand in core practice areas.
“We are thrilled to congratulate Mariam and Mitch on their elevation to principal,” he said. “Both Mariam and Mitch have built strong reputations in their field, and their elevation enhances our ability to meet client needs in key areas of expertise. On a personal level, it is incredibly pleasing to see two of our own rise through the ranks and take this next step in their careers.”
Earlier this month, the firm also expanded its Sydney health law practice with the appointment of three senior lawyers.
Karine Marianne joined as a principal, bringing experience in civil litigation and coronial investigations. Her clientele has included general practitioners and allied health providers, with a focus on regulatory audits and disciplinary processes, including matters involving Medicare’s Professional Services Review.
Senior associates Lauren Antonini and Natalie Donnan also joined the Sydney office. Antonini has over 10 years of experience representing health professionals in liability disputes and conduct investigations by bodies such as AHPRA and the NSW Medical Council.
Donnan’s legal work has largely centred on defending public health agencies and practitioners in complex, high-stakes litigation.
In a separate move, Gilchrist Connell has formalised a collaborative agreement with UK-based law firm DAC Beachcroft, establishing a joint offering aimed at multinational insurance clients.
The alliance is structured to deliver coordinated legal services for insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and corporate entities operating across multiple jurisdictions. It will support legal needs involving coverage assessments, claims disputes, and compliance requirements.
