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Team Members

Jess Byrne

Special Counsel
Jess is a special counsel in the insurance team with extensive experience in managing personal injury claims for insurers and self-insurers under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994.
+61 7 3231 2560
[email protected]
VCard

Jess has practical experience in claims management during both the pre‑proceedings and litigation stages, including claims involving pure psychiatric injuries, cross-jurisdictional issues, indemnity issues and multiple parties.

Jess regularly advises on liability and quantum issues, as well as statutory threshold matters under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and indemnity issues generally.

Jess provides advice that reflects her technical expertise, while remaining highly practical and always mindful of her clients’ priorities.

  • Solicitor – Supreme Court of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours)– University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Arts – University of Queensland
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law
  • Member – Australian Lawyers Alliance
  • Acting for insurers, including self-insurers, in relation to personal injury claims under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
  • Acting for insurers in relation to personal injury claims under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994.
  • Advising on liability and quantum issues in personal injuries matters.
  • Advising on statutory threshold issues under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, including drafting reasons for decision.
  • Representing parties in alternative dispute resolution, including mediations, compulsory conferences and informal negotiations.
  • Progressing claims through the pre-proceedings and litigation stages, including conducting liability investigations, drafting pleadings, complying with disclosure obligations and briefing medico-legal experts and counsel.
  • Preparing matters for trial, including witness conferences and liaising with counsel and witnesses.

Areas of Expertise

Workers’ compensation law
Self-insurance
Compulsory Third Party (CTP)
Insurance

Publications

Cooper Grace Ward announces 13 senior promotions for 2026

Cooper Grace Ward begins the 2026/2027 financial year with the announcement of 13 promotions, including one special counsel, five senior associates, four associates, two c-suite appointments and a new head of information technology.

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Podcast: Inside the Claim with CGW - Schokman in the High Court

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by special counsel Chris Murphy and senior associate Jess Byrne to discuss the High Court case of CCIG Investments Pty Ltd v Schokman.

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Cooper Grace Ward celebrates 25 lawyers listed in Best Lawyers 2026

Cooper Grace Ward is proud to announce that 25 of our lawyers have been recognised across 23 expertise areas in Best Lawyers list of leading lawyers for 2026.

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