Hall & Wilcox has expanded its general insurance capabilities by bringing in a team from Holman Webb, including three partners and up to 20 legal professionals.
Partners John Van de Poll, Lucy Rooney, and Vahini Chetty will lead the group, with Van de Poll and Rooney based in Sydney, while Chetty will be based in Melbourne.
The new team has experience across a range of general insurance areas, including public and products liability, professional indemnity, directors and officers (D&O) liability, management liability, coverage disputes, and property damage recoveries.
The expansion comes at a time when Australia’s general insurance sector is expected to see significant growth. Research from GlobalData projects that direct written premiums (DWP) in the sector will reach 146.9 billion by 2029. The market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, driven by several factors, including increased demand for natural catastrophe coverage, inflation-driven premium adjustments, and broader economic recovery.
Hall & Wilcox chief executive partner Graydon Dowd said the arrival of the new team aligns with the firm’s strategic growth objectives.
“We are delighted to welcome John, Lucy, Vahini and their team. We are excited about the great opportunities for further growth that will arise from combining forces with this energetic, highly rated team,” he said.
Van de Poll said that joining Hall & Wilcox would create new opportunities for both clients and legal professionals.
“I am pleased our team and clients will benefit from and thrive with the remarkable people at Hall & Wilcox. Their approach to embracing technology and thinking outside the square will deliver real benefits to our people and clients,” he said.
Chetty and Rooney expressed similar sentiments, with Chetty noting that she looks forward to “working together to deliver high quality, impactful solutions for both our clients and our people.”
Rooney added that Hall & Wilcox’s emphasis on collaboration and teamwork would enhance its service offerings.
“Hall & Wilcox has a strong market reputation not only for legal excellence, but also for its highly engaged teams and its commitment to its people,” she said.
