Gilchrist Connell (GC), a general insurance and defendant-side dispute resolution firm, has expanded its Melbourne team by appointing renowned senior litigator Ingrid Nunnink as a new principal – indicating that the growth experienced by the firm this year is set to continue.
Nunnink advises various clients on general civil litigation matters, particularly in health law, sensitive claims, coronial inquiries, general liability and professional indemnity.
GC managing principal Richard Wood described Nunnink as a natural fit for the firm because her practice is highly complementary to its practice in terms of focus and client base.
“Having Ingrid onboard further strengthens our ability to meet ongoing client demand in the key areas of general liability, health, and treatment liability and sensitive claims,” Wood added.
Nunnink will join the Melbourne office with her associate Tessa Pham and lawyer Victoria Pechlivanis.
The hire of Nunnink, Pham, and Pechlivanis reflects GC's rapid expansion, having grown more than 35% in the last 12 months.
Some of the notable appointments this year include those of five lawyers to principal to boost its leadership team, effective in July. The Sydney branch welcomed Daniela Faggionato, Nitesh Patel, and Hannah Griffiths to the team. Meanwhile, Samantha Hocking and Jamie Ling joined the Adelaide office.
In 2022, GC aims to boost its team with additional senior resources.
“Gilchrist Connell strongly supports a combination of lateral principal hires and internal promotions to best meet the needs of our growing practice,” said Belinda Cohen, chief people officer at GC.
“Pleasingly, Ingrid and her team also continue the recent trend of senior female hires. The firm now has over 38% of females at principal level, and women make up 54% of our broader fee earner cohort.”
