Clancy O'Donovan

Clancy is an experienced litigator, specialising in transaction liability insurance, including warranties & indemnities, tax, and contingent risk, as well as financial lines with a focus on professional indemnity, directors & officers, and management liability claims. Clancy regularly advises clients on complex coverage issues and represents insureds in litigation before the superior courts of New South Wales and Australia.

With extensive experience acting for insurers across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, Clancy has managed numerous transaction liability claims, many exceeding AUD 100 million, and advised on large-scale financial lines matters, including complex coverage disputes and in defence of professionals in construction, medical, and financial services industries. Clancy has also acted in landmark property insurance litigation, including an industry-first test case on business interruption coverage arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Clancy has represented insurers and insureds in major consumer, labour, and shareholder class actions.

Earlier in his career, Clancy held claims and in-house counsel roles within global and national insurance brokerages and underwriting agencies. Immediately prior to joining Barry Nilsson, Clancy worked at a global law firm for 10 years, specialising in contentious and non-contentious insurance matters.

'No two deals, claims or disputes are the same, and I enjoy working with clients to develop and execute tailored strategies aligned with their objectives.'

Clancy works closely with his clients to understand their specific businesses, priorities and objectives. Early analysis and clear advice allows risks to be distilled and strategies developed at the outset, providing clients with a 'no surprises' experience as they navigate complex legal issues.

Industry recognition

• Australasian Lawyer – Australia's Best Lawyers Under 35: 'Rising Star', 2023
• Insurance Business Magazine – Young Gun, 2021