Moray & Agnew has expanded its capabilities in private client services, estates, dispute resolution, and insurance, adding three senior lawyers to bolster its presence in Newcastle.
Joining Moray & Agnew in its Newcastle office, Daniel Stoddart will join as a partner, while John Deegan and Roslyn Pavey join as special counsel.
Together, they bring extensive experience across complex claims, litigation, government advisory work, wills, estate planning and deceased estates.
The additions come after the firm strengthened its national government practice by appointing two experienced administrative law partners in Perth in August.
Bringing nearly three decades of expertise to the firm, Stoddart is a seasoned insurance litigator who provides strategic counsel to major insurers and self-insured corporations on intricate claims matters.
Joining from Hall & Wilcox, also based in Newcastle, Stoddart specialises in catastrophic injury, indemnity disputes, fraudulent claims, media-sensitive claims, and complex economic loss litigation.
In his practice, Stoddart provides counsel to major Australian insurance providers regarding property damage, public liability, and CTP, while also representing clients in prominent Court of Appeal proceedings.
Beyond his legal practice, he is recognised as a notable industry speaker and analyst on matters of claims management and insurance-related litigation.
“I’m thrilled to join Moray & Agnew and be part of such a dynamic, collaborative and innovative national insurance team,” Stoddart said.
“I look forward to partnering with our clients to navigate and overcome their legal challenges together.”
Boasting over 10 years of expertise, Deegan manages intricate litigation across various jurisdictions, including the district, supreme, and federal courts, as well as appellate proceedings.
His practice spans commercial litigation and dispute resolution, general insurance, and professional indemnity.
Joining from YPOL Lawyers, Deegan has advised government entities and regulators on commercial and contractual matters and acted for insurers and professionals in complex construction and professional indemnity disputes.
Speaking on his appointment, Deegan said: “I’m pleased to join the Moray & Agnew team and continue working with clients to navigate complex disputes and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions that achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Joining from Hicksons Lawyers, where she was also special counsel, Pavey brings a wealth of knowledge to the wills and estates team. She is a specialist practitioner with deep experience in probate, estate administration, and strategic planning.
She provides sophisticated counsel to families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients on trusts, intergenerational wealth transfer and self-managed superannuation funds.
Pavey is distinguished for her ability to provide commercially grounded, client-centric solutions for the most intricate financial and personal succession challenges.
“I’m delighted to be joining Moray & Agnew and working alongside a talented team with a strong reputation for client service. I look forward to helping clients and their families navigate important estate planning and succession matters with confidence,” Pavey said.
Commenting on the strategic appointments, Moray & Agnew’s national managing partner, Ian Denham, highlighted the value the trio brings to the firm.
“It’s great to welcome another three highly skilled and experienced lawyers to our team,” Denham said.
“Daniel further strengthens our market‑leading insurance practice with deep expertise in catastrophic and complex claims.
“John adds significant depth to our litigation and dispute resolution capabilities, while Roslyn enhances our offering through her extensive experience in wills, estates and succession planning.
“Together, these appointments reflect our continued commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for clients.”