Barry Nilsson has announced a major expansion of its Insurance & Health division, confirming the arrival of six new principals and their teams from DLA Piper. This strategic move bolsters the firm’s national presence in insurance law, with the new hires set to be based across Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane.
The incoming principals – Cameron Maclean, Jock Campbell, Carmen Elder, James Berg, James Morse, and Sophie Devitt – bring a wealth of expertise to the firm, enhancing its capabilities and deepening its commitment to the insurance sector.
Strengthening the Firm’s National Insurance Practice
The addition of these six principals aligns with Barry Nilsson’s long-term strategy to expand its insurance offering and respond to the growing demand for specialised legal services within the sector.
Chairperson Peter Murdoch commented that the new appointments are part of the firm’s ongoing strategic plan, which is being updated for the 2026–2028 period.
“The recruitment of these outstanding professionals reflects Barry Nilsson’s excellent reputation, strong performance, and the high calibre of our people and culture,” Murdoch said. “Their expertise will not only help us achieve the best outcomes for our clients but will also enhance our national footprint in key areas of insurance law.”
Broadening Expertise in Response to Market Demands
The six new principals bring a diverse range of skills, including expertise in directors’ and officers’ liability, professional indemnity, insurance litigation, statutory prosecutions, and regulatory matters. This addition will help expand Barry Nilsson’s service offerings, particularly in areas affected by evolving risk trends and new regulatory developments within the insurance industry.
Murdoch highlighted the increasing demand for insurance law services in recent years, noting that the firm’s ability to address these needs is further strengthened by the expertise of the new recruits.
“These teams bring additional experience in areas such as warranties and indemnities, general commercial litigation, and regulatory work,” he explained. “They also add scale to our already well-established financial lines and casualty lines practices, significantly enhancing our service offering.”
Leadership Transition as Long-serving Principal Retires
The expansion comes at a significant moment for the firm, as long-serving principal Rhett Kennedy prepares to retire at the end of 2025 after a distinguished 40-year career. Kennedy, who joined Barry Nilsson in 1985, has been instrumental in building the firm’s insurance division into its largest practice area. He also served as the inaugural chair of the board of management, guiding the firm through significant governance changes and the challenges presented by the pandemic.
A succession plan is already in place, with principal Jordan Farr and special counsel Gillian Sheppard set to lead the Queensland financial lines team following Kennedy’s retirement.
Murdoch acknowledged Kennedy’s profound influence on the firm, noting that his leadership has been central to both Barry Nilsson’s cultural development and its national profile.
New Senior Appointments Further Strengthen the Insurance & Health Team
In addition to the six principals, Barry Nilsson has also welcomed two senior associates to its Insurance & Health team.
Kate Henning joins the Adelaide office, where she will specialise in public liability, professional indemnity, and medical malpractice claims. With experience defending claims for major insurers across various industries, including construction and real estate, Henning will further strengthen the firm’s capabilities in these areas.
Meanwhile, Lachlan Commins has joined the Sydney office as a senior associate, focusing on insurance matters related to building and construction. Commins, who has a background in both law and quantity surveying, will advise insurers and construction professionals on coverage, defence, and contract risk management.
Barry Nilsson’s latest appointments reflect its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, specialist legal services across the insurance sector and ensuring continued success in a rapidly evolving market.