Johanna Lucas

Johanna is Special Counsel in our Insurance & Health team and is based in the Melbourne office.

Johanna is a member of our Public and Product Liability team in Brisbane and predominantly defends Queensland liability claims.

Johanna specialises in:

• Property liability
• Product liability
• Professional indemnity
• General liability
• Coverage advice

Johanna acts for both local and international insurers and a broad range of insureds across many industries but with a particular focus on mining, construction, infrastructure and energy. She works closely with relevant stakeholders (underwriters, claims managers, insureds and brokers), ensuring there is a collaborative approach to the successful resolution of claims.

Johanna regularly advises clients on complex issues in large scale, multi-party actions involving tort (at common law and under statute), contract issues and the Australian Consumer Law. She also has extensive experience acting in high profile, commercially sensitive litigious matters. Additionally, Johanna advises on policy interpretation, contractual indemnities, dual and co-insurance and risk management topics.

“I have a passion for liability and particularly enjoy identifying the underlying, forensic cause of accidents and events – whether this be through construction, mechanical or electrical problems, product defects, human or non-human factors or something entirely new.”

Johanna has diverse experience across all lines of insurance in multiple jurisdictions. She has also gained invaluable insight into the workings of insurers and brokers in her roles outside of private practice. Returning to Barry Nilsson after 10 years, Johanna brings with her a wealth of knowledge and perspective beneficial to the firm and its clients.

“As part of my claims management approach, I take the time to understand my client, their needs and preferences with one of my key strengths being the ability to strategically and economically protect clients’ interests whilst limiting their exposure to claims.”

Johanna has a Bachelor of Laws. She is a member of the Australian Professional Indemnity Group (APIG), Women in Insurance and the Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA).