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In addition to elevating 17 of its lawyers to special counsel, senior associate and associate, Gilchrist Connell has created and filled the position of chief AI and knowledge officer.
L-R: Samantha Hocking, Abbey Stockley, James Kyrios, Olivia Boyages, and Nicole Batista.
Principal lawyer Samantha Hocking, who has over 20 years of litigation experience, will lead Gilchrist Connell’s strategic growth in the newly-created position of chief AI and knowledge officer.
Hocking has led the firm’s capability across legal learning, knowledge management and AI implementation, and her appointment brings these workstreams together under a single executive mandate.
In addition to embedding AI into workflows, lifting capabilities across the firm and strengthening knowledge systems, Hocking will be responsible for aligning Gilchrist Connell’s operational and service model to the realities of an AI-enabled legal market.
The officer role will be in addition to her ongoing work as principal.
Chief executive officer Belinda Cohen said the inaugural role was a critical step in positioning the firm for the next phase of law.
“AI is not a future consideration, it is happening now.
“Our focus is on embedding capability in a way that is practical, disciplined and client-led,” Cohen commented.
On Hocking’s appointment, Cohen said she has combined deep legal experience with a proven ability to build capability across the firm.
“This role is central to how we ensure our service model continues to meet client expectations in an AI-enabled environment, without compromising on quality or judgement,” Cohen added.
Gilchrist Connell has also made a number of promotions to its legal and business services team, effective 1 July.
The firm’s newest special counsel are highly-regarded insurance litigator Abbey Stockley, trusted insurers advisor James Kyrios, professional indemnity and liability expert Nicole Batista, and skilled insurance disputes practitioner Olivia Boyages.
The new senior associates are Debra Crossley, Brooke Elder, Olivia Giacomelli, Olivia Ray and Kimberley Yeung.
Gilchrist Connell also promoted Nathan Konstandopoulos, Jordan Hansen, Meghan Bell, Dana Costigan, Jazmine Miles, Lachlan White, Orijana Zdanaviciute and Danielle Kennell to associate.
Cohen said promotions were one of her “favourite announcements to make”.
“They give us the opportunity to celebrate talented people who have worked hard, supported their colleagues and made a meaningful contribution to our clients and our firm,” Cohen said.
“This year’s promotion round reflects the depth of capability across both our legal and shared services team.
“Each of these individuals has earned the confidence of those around them through their commitment, collaboration and willingness to keep learning and growing. I’m incredibly proud of what they have achieved and delighted to see them take this next step in their careers.”
The announcement follows Gilchrist Connell’s promotion of six new principals and the addition of senior appointment Leah Watt.
