Insurance law firm Gilchrist Connell has announced a series of strategic developments aimed at enhancing its service capabilities and reinforcing its leadership structure.
The firm has expanded its health law practice in New South Wales with the addition of three senior lawyers to its Sydney office.
These appointments are intended to strengthen Gilchrist Connell’s national capacity in advising healthcare clients on legal matters ranging from professional regulation to Medicare compliance and litigation.
Karine Marianne (pictured centre), appointed as principal, joins the firm with expertise in civil proceedings and coronial inquiries.
Her background includes supporting health professionals such as general practitioners, specialists, and allied health providers in a range of legal and regulatory issues, including audits by Medicare’s Professional Services Review and disciplinary complaints.
Joining as senior associates, Lauren Antonini (pictured left) and Natalie Donnan (pictured right) bring extensive experience in health law.
Antonini has spent over a decade representing health practitioners in civil liability claims, professional conduct cases involving AHPRA and the Health Care Complaints Commission, as well as inquiries by the NSW Medical Council.
Donnan has focused on defending public health entities and practitioners in complex disputes, including those involving sensitive or large-scale legal matters.
Managing principal Richard Wood, who will step down from his role in June, said the appointments reflect the firm’s intent to strengthen its health sector services.
“Our ability to attract such high-quality talent to the firm is indicative of the quality of services we can provide to our health clients and expands our offering in this sector,” he said.
The leadership appointments come on the back of Gilchrist Connell’s strategic partnership with DAC Beachcroft, a UK-based law firm with a global presence, to provide more coordinated legal services to clients with international operations.
The alliance is designed to support insurers, brokers, and corporations navigating regulatory environments and claims processes across multiple jurisdictions. It brings together Gilchrist Connell’s experience in Australian insurance and commercial litigation with DAC Beachcroft’s international network, including operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.
“This alliance allows us to offer our clients an unparalleled level of service and expertise, both locally and internationally,” Wood said.
