Hilary is an experienced general insurance, disputes and litigation lawyer with a focus on defending personal injury claims on behalf of domestic and international insurers. She also regularly provides advice regarding coverage issues including policy interpretation, indemnity disputes, dual insurance and recoveries.
Hilary has defended claims in state and federal courts on behalf of a wide range of insured businesses, including occupiers of commercial premises, hoteliers, local councils, security companies, a variety of construction contractors, licensed clubs, fitness centres, sporting organisations, schools, religious institutions, managing agents and commercial cleaners.
Hilary also has extensive experience acting in defence of complex professional negligence claims across a range of medical and allied health specialties. Hilary is also experienced in acting on behalf of various healthcare providers during coronial inquests and disciplinary proceedings.
Hilary is commended for her ability to deliver effective solutions with a commercial incentive to reduce costs by efficiently managing claims. She strongly values her client relationships, and prioritises adherence to service standards and making herself available to address client needs.
Experience
- Acting in defence of large, complex health claims across a range of medical specialties including acting for public and private hospitals, employed doctors and nurses and Visiting Medical Officers in a range of medical and surgical practice areas.
- Acting for allied health providers including radiology providers, radiographers, physiotherapists and paramedics.
- Acting for aged care providers in relation to coronial inquests and investigations.
- Acting on behalf of pharmacists in relation to disciplinary proceedings brought by the Health Care Complaints Commission, Pharmacy Council of NSW and Pharmacy Regulatory Unit.
- Acting for head contractors and subcontractors in respect of a wide range of multi-party, high quantum claims arising from injuries sustained at construction sites arising from breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, unsafe systems of work, failure to correctly operate machinery including cranes/forklifts, unsafe manual handling procedures, failure to properly supervise workers, falls from heights and tripping hazards. These matters often involve consideration of contractual indemnities and dual insurances issues.
- Acting for security subcontractors in relation to intentional torts and negligence claims.
- Acting for sporting organisations in relation to injuries sustained during competitions and/or practice often involving formulating dangerous recreational activity, waiver and obvious risk defence arguments.
- Acting on behalf of religious institutions in relation to historical negligence claims (including historical sexual abuse claims) and professional standards.
- Advising schools and sporting associations in relation to professional standards, risk management and negligence claims.
- Advising insurers in relation to policy coverage for historical negligence claims, worker to worker claims, contractual claims and general indemnity.
- Acting for a contractor in multi-party proceedings commenced in the Federal Court, arising from catastophic injuries to a refugee in the Republic of Nauru.
- Acting for cleaners, occupiers and property managers in relation to trip, slip and fall claims.
- Defending section 151Z recovery proceedings brought by worker’s compensation insurers.
- Acting for insurers, schools and businesses in response to bullying, harassment and assault claims.
- Acting for clubs and pubs in relation to personal injury claims arising from patron on patron violence.
- Acting for shopping centres, cleaners and managers in response to personal injury claims.
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Australia
2025 | Ones to Watch | Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation
2023 | Ones to Watch | Insurance Law
Memberships
- Law Society of NSW