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.

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

Publications

Podcast: Inside the Claim with CGW - Flight Risk: Grounded by a Galley Cart

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward's workers' compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from the lawyers who ran them.

Cooper Grace Ward's insurance team recognised across 2026 Doyles Guide rankings

Cooper Grace Ward's Insurance team is recognised across multiple 2026 Doyles Guide rankings, including as a First Tier Firm in Workers' Compensation & WorkCover (Defendant) QLD.

Podcast: Coffee with CGW - Get to know Jess Byrne

Join us for a coffee chat with special counsel Jess Byrne from our insurance team and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem.