Suzanne was admitted to practice in 2000 and since her admission has practised in insurance law and litigation, with a particular focus on professional indemnity claims.
Prior to joining Wotton + Kearney in 2009, Suzanne was a solicitor and Senior Associate with a large national insurance practice. She then held a position as Legal Counsel/Insurance and Risk Adviser at Strategic Insurance and Risk Solutions, an independent insurance and risk consultancy, where she gained invaluable knowledge about the inner workings of Australian and overseas insurance markets and the needs of insurers and insureds in relation to policies and claims. In her capacity as Insurance and Risk Adviser, Suzanne:
- conducted insurance reviews, covering various classes of insurance, for corporate clients;
- managed professional indemnity claims for major clients, including law firms and corporate advisory firms, and provided strategic advice to those clients in relation to complex claims and circumstances; and
- advised clients in relation to policy interpretation and drafted policy wordings to reflect recent developments in insurance law and regulatory requirements.
Suzanne's experience in private practice includes advising on and acting in claims involving a wide range of professionals including accountants, financial advisers, stockbrokers, real estate agents, engineers, health professionals and municipal councils. She also has particular experience in the regulation of professionals and disciplinary tribunals.
Suzanne's recent matters include:
- acting for a stockbroking firm in a complex claim involving alleged negligent representations made in respect of the establishment of a lending facility which caused the claimant major losses; and
- acting for consultant engineers in relation to a $450 million claim for misleading and deceptive conduct concerning one of Victoria's largest infrastructure projects.
Suzanne has presented risk management, professional development and compliance training to professional associations and private clients.
Memberships
- APIG
- AILA
- Women In Insurance
- Law Institute of Victoria (Litigation Lawyers section)