In its latest promotion round, Barry Nilsson has promoted one to principal, one to special counsel, two senior associates, and 11 associates.
Gillian Sheppard has been promoted to insurance and health principal at Barry Nilsson, bringing the total number of principals to 46 and maintaining its target of 40 per cent female leadership representation.
Specialising in professional indemnity and policy coverage, Sheppard has defended professional negligence claims and complaints made against professionals in tribunals and registration boards.
Sheppard also acts for insurers across a broad range of professions, including solicitors, building and construction, medical professionals, educational institutions and financial advisers.
Barry Nilsson also promoted special counsel Felix Kalade and senior associates Thomas Klepper and Ysabelle Kong in its insurance practice.
Eleven other lawyers were promoted to associate. They are: Alexandra Kennard, Emilie Haranas, Emily McDougall, Helena Juric, Kayla Hathaway, Luke Feleppa, Robert MacFarlane, Steven Howick-Brown, Sydney Gale, Tadaya Mujdrica, and Tanya Brody.
Peter Murdoch, Barry Nilsson’s chairperson and insurance and health principal, said the promotions reflect the firm’s values and commitment to internal growth under its 2026–2028 strategic plan.
“Supporting the growth and development of our people is one of the most important investments we can make as a firm.
“Gillian has been a steadfast member of our team since 2003, and we are looking forward to watching as she shares her expertise with the team in her new role as principal,” Murdoch said.
The significant number of associate promotions also reflected a “key pillar” of the firm’s strategy to foster the next generation of lawyers.
“Our strengths lie in our people, at every level, and these appointments reflect internal efforts made to identify, nurture, and challenge the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive growth and innovation across the firm to the benefit of both our clients and culture,” Murdoch said.
Barry Nilsson also promoted P&C coordinators Ciara Popplewell and Patricia Nguyen, and events manager Margaret Harvison.
