He has also worked at Norton Rose Fulbright, Ligeti Partners, and Clark Wilson LLP in Canada.

Mr Donley is, McCabes said in a statement, an “experienced” insurance lawyer with a broad general insurance practice and expertise in contentious insurance defence and coverage, “further enhancing the firm’s capabilities in insurance and construction disputes”.

His “exceptional legal background”, the firm went on, will bolster the insurance ranks in its Melbourne office.

The news follows the firm’s appointment of four new insurance principals, reported earlier this year by Lawyers Weekly, and the hiring of an insurance partner from Clyde & Co in August.

It also follows the firm’s appointment of a special counsel from Norton Rose Fulbright as a new principal in late July and its promotion of 13 lawyers to more senior roles in late June.

McCabes insurance principal Peter Miller said that Mr Donley’s appointment is a “statement inclusion” to the Melbourne insurance group.

“Steven is a proven lawyer who will add further depth to our insurance practice in Melbourne,” he said.

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“McCabes strives to provide clients with the highest quality of service, and Steven is a perfect example of a strategic addition to the firm that can strengthen our offering, especially under the leadership of Richard Johnson.”

Mr Donley added: “I plan to hit the ground running, and I’m excited at the prospect of working with a strong national team to deliver high-quality results to our clients.

“I enjoy the challenge of assisting clients in navigating disputes that are resource intensive or involve difficult and complex issues.”