DLA Piper’s practice has a strong focus on class actions, D&O disputes, financial lines matters, and the structuring of insurance schemes. Samantha O’Brien is recognised for her expertise in financial services regulation, product design, and distribution, as well as transactions involving insurance and financial services businesses. Ann-Marie Coleman provides guidance on insurance portfolio transfers, distribution agreements, and acquisitions. Together, the team covers contentious disputes, regulatory compliance, and transactional insurance work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper distinguishes itself through exceptional responsiveness, deep industry insight, and a strong commitment to client service and excellence.'
'We value the team's ability to deliver timely, commercially focused advice, backed by global reach and local expertise. Compared to other firms, DLA Piper offers a unique blend of scale, agility, and a client-first approach that consistently drives successful outcomes.’
- 'Across the board, I’ve valued their professionalism, reliability, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes—qualities that make them not only trusted advisors but also a pleasure to work with. The teams working under each of the Partners are deserving of praise and show the same commitment to our business.’
- 'Samatha O'Brien and Ann-Marie Coleman have been excellent at providing effective and tailored advice that gets us to the place we need to go. Very attentive and a pleasure to work with.'
- 'A pragmatic and commercial approach. Always willing to be available.'
Key clients
- Marsh Pty Ltd
- Suncorp Group
- St Andrew's Insurance Group
- The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited
- Chubb Insurance
- Berkley Insurance Australia
- WR Berkley
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Allianz SE
- Specialist Underwriting Agencies
- PIUS Pty Ltd
- upcover Pty Ltd
- Avant Insurance
Work highlights
Advised the St Andrew's Insurance Group on the transfer of the St Andrew’s Group’s insurance and life insurance businesses to Hallmark Insurance.
Advising The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland on their AUD855m strategic partnership with IAG, including entry into a 25-year strategic alliance agreement.
Acting for AAI Limited (part of the Suncorp Group) in a class action in the Federal Court (NSW Registry) over alleged combustible cladding installed on buildings throughout Australia by its insured Fairview Architectural Pty Limited.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Samantha O'Brien
Other key lawyers
Ann-Marie Coleman