Gilchrist Connell (GC) has announced that Richard Wood (pictured left), who has served as managing principal since the firm’s inception in 2008, will step down from the role on June 30, 2025.
Belinda Cohen (pictured right), the firm’s chief people officer, has been elected to take over as chief executive officer, starting July 1, 2025.
The selection process, which was overseen by independent advisers, culminated in Cohen’s appointment by the firm’s principal group.
The CEO position will retain the same responsibilities and operational scope as the managing principal role.
Cohen, a former insurance litigation lawyer with extensive leadership experience, has been with the firm for four years.
Gillchrist Connell said the appointment is notable because it represents one of the first instances in Australia where a law firm’s CEO comes from a people & culture or HR background.
Commenting on her new role, Cohen vows to build on the strong foundation established over the past 17 years and continue prioritising the firm’s 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 said Cohen’s election underscores the firm’s focus on the importance of its people and clients.
“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.
Reflecting on his time leading the firm, Wood said: “I am proud of all that Gilchrist Connell has achieved in the last 17 years. It’s remarkable.”
Cohen highlighted that Gilchrist Connell has become a prominent law firm in the insurance sector under Wood’s leadership.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Richard for his steady hand over the last 17 years,” she said.
Although stepping down from leadership, Wood will remain involved with the firm, continuing to support key clients and offering strategic guidance. John Edmond will stay on as chair.
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Gilchrist Connell was recently acknowledged in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in Australia, with professionals from its offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney earning recognition across multiple practice areas, including insurance law and personal injury litigation.
