Gilchrist Connell, a leading Australian insurance sector law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of three new special counsel Shehan Gunatunga (Melbourne), Francine Custovic (Sydney), and Kaveetha Kumar (Sydney), reinforcing our strength in key areas of client demand and supporting our continued national growth.
Shehan Gunatunga joins with extensive experience in professional indemnity and coverage disputes. He advises insurers and insureds on complex claims involving professionals across real estate, construction, accounting and legal sectors, and has acted in significant indemnity matters, including business interruption disputes.
Francine Custovic strengthens our liability and recovery capability, advising on personal injury, property damage, contract disputes and workers compensation. She has particular expertise in strata insurance and policy interpretation, helping clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks with clarity and confidence.
Kaveetha Kumar adds further depth to our team with expertise in coverage and defence of directors’ and officers’ (D&O) claims and professional indemnity matters. With over 18 years’ experience, she has acted for a wide range of professionals and regularly advises on complex coverage issues and large-scale litigation.
“These appointments mark an important milestone in our growth strategy. Each of these senior lawyers brings specialist expertise that enhances our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients across Australia,” shares CEO, Belinda Cohen.
Additionally we welcome three new Senior Associates to enhance our offering across diverse areas, Melissa McCosker (Sydney), Darlene Carpenter (Perth) and Ashleigh Warren (Melbourne), and a further four Associates, Guy Cheuk Kai Tse (Sydney), Shane Falconer (Perth), Hannah Hewitt (Brisbane) and Nazia Farhat (Sydney).
This announcement follows a period of significant expansion for Gilchrist Connell, with our team growing by almost 20% since the start of the financial year. This growth spans all offices and areas, reflecting our commitment to strengthening capability and delivering exceptional service to clients nationwide.
