Carmen Elder

Carmen is a highly regarded expert in litigation and insurance. Her core areas of expertise include directors & officers, management liability, financial lines, professional liability across all sectors, investigations and prosecutions, and coverage / indemnity advice.

With more than two decades of experience, Carmen specialises in risk management, complex litigation (including high profile and strategically significant matters) and developing dispute resolution strategies. She regularly acts in Commonwealth and State investigations, inquiries and prosecutions, including those by ASIC, ACCC, EPA, SafeWork NSW, and NHVR. Carmen is also frequently engaged to advise on complex coverage issues, including some of Australia’s largest securities class actions and in the Australian insurance industry’s test case on COVID-19 business interruption claims.

‘I enjoy supporting clients navigate complex situations and difficult problems efficiently, strategically and commercially. I work with my clients from the get-go to understand their key objectives and pain points in order to craft smart solutions. Clients appreciate my focus on early identification of risk and collaborative approach.’

Carmen advises Australia’s leading insurers, Lloyd’s syndicates, brokers, corporations, directors and officers in a range of litigated and unlitigated matters across almost all Australian jurisdictions.

Carmen stands out as not just a legal adviser but as a trusted partner due to her straightforward approach and genuine care for her clients. Known for delivering a fresh perspective to every case, her blend of professional knowledge and personal understanding equips Carmen to handle complex or challenging scenarios with efficiency. Clients recognise and praise that Carmen is "Truly outstanding, very business savvy, practical and hands on. She is an excellent strategist able to simplify complex matters and sets out advice very clearly."

Industry recognition

• Legal 500 Asia-Pacific - Insurance, Australia, Recommended from 2021 to 2023