Gilchrist Connell has announced the addition of four special counsels to its offices in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, enhancing its capabilities in insurance and workplace law.
Richard Scougall (pictured, left) will join the firm’s employment law and workplace relations team in Melbourne. He advises on various workplace disputes and issues, working with human resource managers and leadership to provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
Denise Bowen (pictured, right) brings a diverse background as both a solicitor and nurse, with experience in the health and aged care sectors. She is an accredited mediator with extensive expertise in managing civil claims, FOI requests, professional indemnity, and catastrophic injury claims. She will join the Perth team.
Also joining the Perth team is Lauren Rathbone, who has significant experience in commercial and insurance litigation, assisting both individual and corporate clients across multiple industries.
Nicholas Maiorana, who will join the Sydney team, specialises in commercial subrogated recoveries and has experience in property, construction, and professional risks. He frequently serves as defence counsel in complex construction and engineering-related disputes.
Commenting on the latest appointments, Gilchrist Connell managing principal Richard Wood said: “We are thrilled to welcome talent of such high quality. These appointments reflect our ongoing dedication to delivering top-tier legal services to all our clients.”
The firm recently had 31 principals, special counsel, and consultants listed in insurance law and other practice areas at the 17th edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025. Its senior associates were also highlighted in the “Ones to Watch” category, underscoring its ongoing development in insurance litigation.
Gilchrist Connell appointed four new special counsels after welcoming Nicole Batista to its national professional indemnity and directors and officers (D&O) practice as a senior associate. She works with D&O specialist Celia Wright in Sydney.
Batista, who holds qualifications from South Africa and Australia, started her career as a commercial lawyer before moving into commercial insurance. She offers insights on high-value coverage matters related to financial institutions, corporate misconduct, and shareholder disputes. She also defends claims against professionals, directors, officers, and financial institutions, and advises insurers in class actions and regulatory proceedings.
