In this episode, Vanessa Thompson from our property, planning and environment team joins private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem to discuss her journey to Cooper Grace Ward and her experience at the firm.

They also reflect on how planning and environment law has evolved over the years, and touch on Vanessa’s life outside work with two kids and two corgis.

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers’ compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from those who ran them.

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by insurance claims adviser Catherine Dugdell to discuss the District Court case of Sneddon v Petts. Damien and Catherine explore a workplace injury on a rural hobby farm involving a brush cutter, focusing on the disputes around liability and the credibility of evidence.

Catherine shares insights on the challenges of assessing witness reliability, managing pleadings, and navigating complex injury claims in a less conventional work environment. Tune in for practical reflections on preparing for trial and what it takes to secure a successful outcome.

Join us for a coffee chat with special counsel Rebecca Edwards and partner Scott Hay-Bartlem, both from our private client team. Together, they explore Rebecca’s journey from aged care to elder law, her passion for helping families through difficult times, and chat about her busy weekends with kids’ soccer and trips to the beach. Plus, they dive into the importance of enduring powers of attorney and the challenges clients face when navigating these legal complexities.