The insurance practice at Hall & Wilcox acts for a broad mix of corporate and public insurer clients across contentious and non-contentious claims. The national practice is led by Anastasia Coutsouvelis, with Matthew McDonald advising on class actions, catastrophic infrastructure losses, and first-party coverage issues, and Grant Galvin represents insurers and self-insurers in workers’ compensation and liability claims. Key lawyers also include Stephanie Driscoll, Jason McMahon, Angela Brookes, Ilona Strong, Pauline Davies, Matthew Needham, and Nicholas Studdert.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hall & Wilcox have a strong IT team willing to utilise new technologies to streamline processes.’
‘Very prompt, practical advice. Appreciate the attention to detail and level of support that this firm is able to provide.’
'The law firm we engage stands out for its deep expertise in workers compensation and employment law, paired with a genuinely client-centric approach. What makes them unique is their ability to combine technical excellence with practical, solution-oriented advice that aligns with our business needs. Their team consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and the nuances of our industry, which translates into proactive guidance and strategic support.'
'Potential clients would be particularly impressed by the firm’s responsiveness, clarity in communication, and collaborative style. The team is composed of highly skilled professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also approachable and easy to work with.'
'Their strengths include specialist expertise in complex claims and dispute resolution; strong advocacy skills in both formal and informal settings; clear and concise advice that supports confident decision-making; and consistent availability and reliability, even under tight timeframes. Compared to other firms, this practice offers a more tailored and agile service model.'
'They are not just legal advisors—they act as strategic partners who understand the pressures and priorities of corporate environments.'
Key clients
- Lexon Insurance Pte Ltd
- Select Harvests
- Various Lloyd’s syndicates
- Australian Unity
- Integrity Life
Work highlights
Acting on behalf of William Boyd, a Queensland solicitor, and Lexon in a case brought by the widow and two daughters of the former coal mining magnet, Ken Talbot.
Acted for two mutual life insurers within the Australian Unity group to merge through a scheme under the Financial Sector (Transfer and Restructure) Act 1999 (Cth).
Acted on behalf of the first, second, and fourth to eighth defendants for various Lloyd syndicates in successfully defending a professional indemnity claim commenced in the New South Wales Supreme Court.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Anastasia Coutsouvelis; Matthew McDonald; Grant Galvin; Stephanie Driscoll; Jason McMahon; Angela Brookes; Ilona Strong; Matthew Needham; Nicholas Studdert
Other key lawyers
Pauline Davies