Continued growth at Cooper Grace Ward has seen the addition of several new team members across the firm’s diverse practice areas.
Jeff Hollindale has joined the team as special counsel in the firm’s commercial practice following a brief in-house stint at QSuper and, prior to that, five years at Clayton Utz. Jeff brings a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as a range of other general corporate and commercial matters. Prior to his role at Clayton Utz, Jeff spent more than five years in the UK, working at London-based commercial firm Marriott Harrison.
Leanne O’Neill has joined the property, planning and environment team as senior associate, bringing 14 years’ experience in government, nine as a solicitor representing the State of Queensland in negotiations and litigation in a number of forums. Leanne has held a number of senior legal roles in government and has provided high level advice and representation in land and resources sector law, including matters related to native title, land tenure, resources management, planning, environment and administrative law.
Senior associate Kate Whalan has joined Cooper Grace Ward’s insurance team, bringing experience in a wide range of commercial areas including contractual disputes, negligence, property matters and insolvency. Kate joins the team following 12 years at Mullins Lawyers.
Senior associate Kimberley Villis will assist the insurance team with its growing portfolio of claims for WorkCover Queensland. Kimberley has made the switch from Crown Law, where she acted for WorkCover for more than five years, and brings a wealth of experience in a range of insurance, employment and industrial relations issues. Kimberley’s previous experience also includes a period at WorkCover itself, instructing panel solicitors on claims made against employers.
The insurance team has also welcomed lawyer Rosemary Gibson, who will work within the transport and marine subgroup. Rosemary brings two years’ experience in litigation and dispute resolution gained at Herbert Smith Freehills.