Australian insurance law firm Gilchrist Connell has announced the promotion of Zoe Dempster to principal, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
This appointment follows upcoming changes to the law firm’s leadership, with chief people officer Belinda Cohen set to replace managing principal Richard Wood as CEO on July 1, 2025.
Dempster (pictured), who joined Gilchrist Connell’s Adelaide office in 2017, has developed a practice focusing on professional indemnity, public liability, workers’ compensation, and employment law. Her client base includes insurers, government bodies, self-insured organisations, and employers.
She has received industry recognition for her legal expertise. Dempster was listed in the “2025 Best Lawyers in Australia” for both personal injury litigation and insurance law.
Commenting on the promotion, Wood praised Dempster’s achievements, highlighting her contributions to the firm and its clients.
“On a personal level, Zoe is a superstar, and the opportunity to recognise her achievements in this way is particularly pleasing. For our clients, having someone of Zoe’s calibre in our principal ranks is a tremendous asset. Her expertise, level-headed approach, and commercial acumen is valued by her clients and peers alike,” he said.
Gilchrist Connell recently announced a leadership restructuring. Richard Wood, who has led the firm since its founding in 2008, will step down from his role on June 30, 2025. He will continue to support clients and provide strategic input.
Belinda Cohen, currently serving as chief people officer, has been appointed to succeed Wood as CEO.
Cohen joined Gilchrist Connell in 2019 and brings experience as both a former insurance litigation lawyer and a leader in people and culture initiatives.
The move marks a shift in leadership approach, as Cohen’s appointment represents one of the first instances in Australia where a law firm’s CEO comes from a human resources background.
Cohen said her priority will be maintaining the firm’s focus on its people and clients.
“I am wholly motivated to continue doing what GC does best... keep our people and client relationships at the centre of what we do, building a high performance workplace where people thrive and clients benefit from engaged lawyers solving their legal needs,” she said.
Wood stated that Cohen’s leadership skills and understanding of market trends make her well-suited for the role.
“Belinda’s career path to date provides her with a unique ability to understand both our market, our people, and the challenges and opportunities that both face,” he said.
