Moray & Agnew strengthens medical negligence expertise with new hire

Moray & Agnew has strengthened its medical negligence practice with the appointment of Adam Stevens as a partner.

Stevens (pictured right), who has a strong track record in defending healthcare professionals in Victoria, will contribute to the firm’s growing insurance law capabilities.

Moray & Agnew’s new partner

Stevens’s experience covers a wide range of medical specialities, including general practice, cardiology, psychiatry, and various surgical fields such as orthopaedics, vascular, and bariatric.

His practice includes representing clients in litigated matters before the Victorian County and Supreme Courts, as well as negotiating indemnity and contribution agreements with insurers and medical defence organisations.

“I am very happy to be joining Moray & Agnew as a partner. I’m looking forward to working with my clients and being able to provide them with expertise and assistance in Victoria and across all jurisdictions,” Stevens said.

Maintaining presence in insurance industry

Bill Papastergiadis OAM (pictured left), managing partner of the firm’s Melbourne office, said Stevens’s addition aligned with the firm’s strategic priorities.

“His appointment is both strategically important and culturally significant – strategic in terms of our firm continuing to build on its already leading insurance presence and thus solidifying us as one of the leading firms in Australia in this area of practice. Our firm is committed to investing in one of its core business sectors, being insurance,” he said.

Push for national healthcare policy reforms 

The appointment coincides with broader industry calls for reforms to Australia’s healthcare system.

The Members Health Fund Alliance, which represents not-for-profit and member-owned health insurers, recently proposed a series of changes aimed at improving affordability, accessibility, and transparency.

The alliance’s reform proposals include: 

• restoring the private health insurance rebate to 30%, which has declined to below 25%, to lower policyholder costs
• enhancing transparency around the pricing and performance of hospitals and clinicians, empowering consumers to make informed choices
• allowing private health insurance to cover GP out-of-pocket expenses to reduce the burden on hospitals and improving access to primary care
• exempting private health insurance premiums from Fringe Benefits Tax, enabling employees to access faster care while potentially boosting workforce productivity

Culture of dynamic, personable people

Papastergiadis also highlighted the new hire’s alignment with the firm’s culture, emphasising the importance of fostering a collaborative and community-focused environment.

“Culturally, Adam is a valuable addition to our partnership as he will add to our culture of dynamic, personable people, who all contribute not only to the firm but also to the social fabric of our community,” he said.