Gilchrist Connell and Moray & Agnew have announced key senior appointments, strengthening their capabilities in insurance and property law across Australia.
Gilchrist Connell has expanded its insurance law team with the appointment of two special counsel in Perth – Erica Dobson (pictured left) and Ellie McGrory (pictured right) – along with four senior associates in other offices.
Dobson will be part of the firm’s national health law practice, advising on medical negligence, personal injury claims, and life insurance litigation. She has experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
Her appointment follows the recent hiring of Karine Marianne as principal lawyer for the firm’s New South Wales health law team, where she advises on Medicare-related matters.
McGrory brings experience in personal injury litigation, focusing on workers’ compensation and liability claims since being admitted to practice in 2016. She has represented both corporate clients and insurers at a national and global level. She was named one of Insurance Business Australia’s Young Guns in 2021.
Managing principal Richard Wood said the appointments strengthen the firm’s capacity in key areas and reinforce its ability to support clients with complex insurance matters.
“Erica and Ellie’s appointments as special counsel are an important step towards consolidating our capacity nationally in their areas. We are confident that their expertise and dedication will greatly benefit our clients and contribute to our continued success,” he said.
Moray & Agnew has expanded its property law team with the appointment of Darren Marx as a partner in its Melbourne office. He will work alongside partners David Gandolfo, Briony Kerr, and Thomas Zilm.
Marx has more than 26 years of legal experience, including partner roles in private practice as well as in-house counsel positions. His expertise spans property development, sales, acquisitions, and leasing, with a particular focus on the leisure and hospitality sectors, including hotels, gaming venues, and tourism projects.
The appointment coincides with ongoing challenges in the insurance industry, particularly rising home insurance costs. According to research by Finder, conducted in November 2024, 69% of Australian homeowners with insurance have experienced premium increases in the past year. This trend has affected approximately 6.4 million households.
“With my extensive experience across all areas of property law, I look forward to contributing to the firm’s ongoing growth and success while helping our clients navigate the ever-evolving property sector,” Marx said. “The firm’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centred service aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals.”
Melbourne managing partner Bill Papastergiadis OAM noted that Marx’s appointment aligns with the firm’s long-term growth strategy in property and construction law.
“This strategic expansion of our property team underscores our ongoing commitment to providing outstanding outcomes for our clients. We are committed at Moray & Agnew to developing a top-tier property and construction team. We have significant depth in expertise and equally clients that respect the quality of work practised and the extensive range of legal services we now provide,” he said.
