Barry Nilsson nurtures talent and growth with 15 promotions

From 1 January 2025, BN will appoint four special counsel, six senior associates and four associates across its national Insurance and Health Law practice, as well as a new Marketing Officer.

Barry Nilsson Chairperson and Insurance and Health Principal Peter Murdoch said the promotions reflect the firm’s strategic objectives and commitment to attract and retain the best legal talent within the high-demand practice area of insurance law.

“These promotions, and the 27 promotions in July this year, align with our 2025 strategic goals to develop and nurture our people and their career progression and highlight the rewarding career paths on offer at Barry Nilsson.”

“It’s excellent to see an additional 15 next generation leaders within the firm identified and recognised for their expertise and talent,” Mr Murdoch said.

Recognised as an Employer of Choice for six consecutive years since 2019, Barry Nilsson’s workforce has grown by 6% in 2024, now boasting a national headcount of more than 450 employees.

Mr Murdoch said the significant number of women among the new promotions reflected the firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“We have achieved our strategic target of more than 40 percent female representation at leadership level and remain committed to nurturing an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued, and fairly rewarded, for their unique contributions,” he said.

Since its launch last year, the firm has made excellent progress against the 2025 strategic plan and is delivering sustainable growth across its national footprint, supporting the evolving needs of its clients.

“Our priority is to continue upholding our track record of excellent client service, which goes hand in hand with an internal focus on staff engagement, and identifying, attracting and developing our future leaders,” Mr Murdoch said.

“We are pleased with the significant headway we’ve made in less than two years and are on track to delivering a number of our strategic goals ahead of the 2025 timeframe.”

Promotions taking effect from 1 January 2025

Associate

• Elika Chaparian – Insurance (Sydney)
• Emma Hickman – Insurance (Brisbane)
• Rachael Ostenfeld – Insurance (Brisbane)
• Sophie Hilditch – Insurance (Adelaide)

Senior Associate

• Chris Cook – Insurance (Sydney)
• Eleni Georgoulopoulos – Insurance (Sydney)
• Elizabeth Boyle – Insurance (Brisbane)
• Georgia Johnson – Insurance (Brisbane)
• James Meehan – Insurance (Brisbane)
• Krishna Alister – Insurance (Brisbane)

Special Counsel

• Demi Peters – Insurance (Hobart)
• Ed Mitchell – Insurance (Adelaide)
• Lisa Fairley – Insurance (Brisbane)
• Monika Matesa – Insurance (Sydney)

Business Services

• Anne Henriksen – Marketing Officer (Brisbane)