Carol is a partner in the Insurance team at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers and leads the Health law team. Her legal expertise is grounded in direct clinical experience. She qualified as a registered nurse in 1984 and worked in variety of settings in a major Queensland public hospital. In 1993, Carol was admitted as a solicitor. Carol’s clients appreciate her practical understanding of their work and their professional environment.

Her areas of specialisation include:

• Health and aged care
• Medical negligence
• Coronial investigations and inquests
• AHPRA investigations and prosecutions
• HQCC investigations and complaints
• Incident management and investigation
• Risk management and claims prevention
• Health care product failures.

Carol’s experience and ability to perform these roles is founded on a combination of:

• established strong working relationships with key personnel at various levels throughout her client’s organisation;
• a depth of experience and insight into the health industry brought about by approximately 18 years practicing as a lawyer and 8 years as a clinician;
• being independently ranked as one of Australia’s leading lawyers in the area of health and aged care for 5 years running (Best Lawyers Guide Australia, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012);
• her well-developed network within the health industry including organisations like AHPRA, HQCC, the Office of State Coroner and various clinicians at the coal face;
• a thorough understanding of how legislation specific to health operates in a practical sense;
• her proven track record in handling highly sensitive matters with associated media interest; and
• her 24/7 availability, acknowledging the importance of immediate advice when complex situations arise eg Jehovah’s witness refusal of life saving blood transfusion.

Carol has acted in a number of high profile Coronial Inquests. She has represented Queensland Health and indemnified individuals before various professional registration boards, Coronial investigations and Inquests,  HQCC proceedings and resultant compensation claims.

As Client Liaison Partner for Queensland Health, Carol is sensitive to the political environment and pressures encountered within the public health system, including issues surrounding overseas trained doctors, rural and remote services, and resourcing issues. She understands how to successfully conduct legal defences and manage issues in the spotlight of intense public interest and media exposure.

Carol is also Relationship Manager for Avant; Australia’s largest MDO (medical defence organisation).

Carol has provided education widely to clinicians in the health industry, through the delivery of contemporary education programs in multi-model format. Carol has been independently ranked as one of Australia’s leading lawyers in the area of health and aged care for five years running (Best Lawyers Guide Australia, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).