Experience

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  Thomson Geer

  • Melbourne, Australia

  • Special Counsel, Insurance

    • Dec 2007 - Dec 2015
    • Melbourne, Australia

    My portfolio focused on common law serious injury applications and claims for damages under the Accident Compensation Act. Also handled complex statutory compensation issues and using previous TAC experience, managed any claims where a transport accident occurred in the course of employment requiring an assessment of which legislative scheme applies.Acted for several major WorkCover and ComCare self-insurers managing all aspects of statutory entitlements and Medical Panel referrals.

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  Transport Accident Commission

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    • 1997 - 2007

    The TAC is a Victorian Government-owned organisation set up to pay for treatment and benefits for people injured in transport accidents, promote road safety and improve Victoria's trauma system.Soon after the establishment of TAC Legal I was engaged as Legal Counsel where I managed all aspects of transport accident related litigation at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, County and Supreme Courts and the Court of Appeal. I was assigned the more difficult and complex files, which involved strategic and sensitive issues, multiple parties, and significant scheme sensitive challenges.Achievements:I developed an expertise in TAC systems and Caseflow (a litigation management program). I frequently piloted new systems and projects. For example, I was on the committee for precedent development.In January 2000 I was appointed Associate Legal Counsel. I provided a mentor and advice role to junior lawyers.Due to my previous experience in workplace accident insurance litigation, in October 2000 I was appointed to the newly created WorkCover Division to provide legal services to the Victoria WorkCover Authority. I participated in the creation and development of new systems, precedents and work practices. I gave regular seminars on the Accident Compensation Act to new TAC employees as part of an induction program.In my last 2 years I was assigned to the TAC Interstate Team and managed a varied common law portfolio across every Australian state jurisdiction.

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  Nicholas O'Donohue & Co.

  • Associate

    • 1996 - 1998

    Nicholas O’Donohue is a reputable, long-standing law firm, steeped in history and a wealth of experience, responsible for significant historical legal cases leading to changes in Victorian society. I worked on a portfolio of plaintiff personal injury litigation such as medical negligence, product liability, professional negligence, crimes compensation, industrial and transport accidents, insurance and motor vehicle claims. I supervised a team of junior lawyers in motor vehicle property damage litigation.

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  Hall & Wilcox

  • Senior Associate

    • 1988 - 1996

    Hall & Wilcox is a leading Australian independent business law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth and Canberra they act nationally for Australian-based clients and multinational clients with Australian interests. As a firm of more than 400 people, including 62 partners they offer depth and breadth of expertise across a number of practices and industry sectors.ResponsibilitiesWhen I joined the firm, my first role was to manage the large portfolio of industrial accident insurance files for a partner on leave. I handled the defence of claims for the Accident Compensation Commission, Worker’s Compensation Insurers and Australia Post.AchievementsIndustrial accident compensation law after the commencement of the Accident Compensation Act created daily challenges in a dynamic legal landscape.I developed an expertise in the interaction of common law, contribution, recovery against insurers, indemnity, dual-insurance with the TAC, transport accidents and compensation under the Workers Compensation Act/Accident Compensation Act.I drafted pleadings and interrogatories.After promotion to Associate I provide in house advice and reviewed claims at agents and insurers.I conducted one of the first Section 138 recovery actions which went to the Supreme Court on a technical issue (ACC v Haynes). I was involved in the first premium disputes for the ACC against employers.I also handled complex recovery litigation and developed the firm’s plaintiff practice.