Gilchrist Connell (GC) has welcomed Nicole Batista to its national professional indemnity and directors and officers (D&O) practice as a senior associate.
Batista (pictured) is set to join D&O and professional indemnity specialist Celia Wright in Sydney – bringing a wealth of experience across various aspects of financial lines insurance, covering financial institutions, D&O liability, and professional indemnity.
Batista, holding qualifications from both South Africa and Australia, embarked on her career as a commercial lawyer before transitioning to the field of commercial insurance. Drawing on this diverse background, she offers valuable insights to insurer clients, addressing complex issues within the financial lines space.
Specialising in advising clients on high-value coverage matters, particularly in relation to financial institutions, corporate misconduct, and shareholder disputes, Batista serves as defence counsel in claims against professionals, directors, officers, and financial institutions. Her track record also includes providing guidance to insurers in numerous class actions and regulatory proceedings within the financial sector.
“Nicole is a key addition to the team, Wright said. “She brings a wealth of experience and is held in high regard by clients, brokers, and colleagues. Nicole's arrival reinforces our commitment to provide clients with top-tier legal services, especially in areas of high-demand like D&O, and reflects our continued growth in this area. We are very pleased to have Nicole on board at this exciting time.”
Batista's recruitment comes on the heels of the firm acknowledging the achievements of 11 individuals who received promotions across multiple offices in December last year and appointing a corporate insurance and insurtech specialist as principal and head of corporate insurance and Insurtech in August.
