Sparke Helmore Lawyers (Sparke Helmore) has made significant additions to its health team with the appointment of three senior lawyers.
The appointments signal a strategic expansion.
Under the leadership of partner Kerri Thomas, the team caters to a diverse clientele, including medical defence organisations, domestic and international underwriters, insurers, underwriting agencies, and coverholders.
Additionally, the team offers legal counsel to hospitals, clinics, registered health practitioners, and other medical service providers on a wide range of issues such as medical malpractice litigation, regulatory compliance, policy drafting, and indemnity matters.
Joining the firm in Sydney are Marie-Clare Elder, appointed as a partner, and Marie Panuccio, who assumes the role of special counsel.
Elder brings extensive experience to her new role, having previously worked in private practice in Australia and the UK, as well as holding senior in-house positions. Her areas of expertise include medical negligence, disciplinary proceedings, employment law, and regulatory compliance. Prior to entering private practice, she held key legal roles at Medical Insurance Group Australia and The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Panuccio specialises in defending claims of professional negligence and representing medical practitioners in various legal proceedings. Her practice encompasses issues related to informed consent, medical negligence litigation, and criminal matters involving healthcare professionals.
In addition, Lani Carter returns to Sparke Helmore in Adelaide as a special counsel after a brief stint elsewhere.
Carter returns to Sparke Helmore to lead the professional indemnity practice in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Her practice involves defending claims against medical and allied health professionals, as well as providing advice on property liability claims and recoveries.
Commenting on the appointments, Kerri Thomas said: “Marie-Clare, Marie, and Lani bring to the team a wealth of experience, expanding the depth and breadth of our truly national coverage and demonstrating Sparke Helmore’s unwavering commitment to the broader health sector both domestically and internationally.”
Last month, Sparke Helmore announced the appointment of a seasoned lawyer as a partner.
