We recently caught up with Lucille Stewart, Wotton Kearney’s newest Special Counsel in Adelaide, about her move to the firm, her South Australian insurance experience, and what she is looking forward to in her new role.
The strategic appointment of Lucille as Special Counsel in WK’s General Liability group builds on the strength of the firm’s Adelaide team and reflects its continued investment in South Australia. With more than 20 years’ general insurance experience supporting clients across Australia and the UK, Lucille will further enhance WK’s local presence and national capability across general liability, personal injury and complex claims.
In this Q&A, Lucille shares her perspective on claims trends, opportunities in Adelaide, and a bit about her life outside the office.
Welcome to WK Lucille! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
I began my legal career as a law clerk in the commercial insurance team at Phillips Fox (as it was then known) in Adelaide. At the time, I naively thought the work would be boringly focused on reading insurance policies!
I very soon discovered I was misguided, when I was thrown into working on a class action involving a show ride collapse, together with trial work in the District and Supreme Courts. It was a hard and fast exposure to litigation, but I loved it (and still do!).
My experience includes complex liability, personal injury, professional indemnity and medical malpractice claims, and advising on policy coverage.
I joined WK from the Law Society of South Australia, where I was Deputy Director of Law Claims. Through that experience, I grained a newfound appreciation for the claims (or ‘client’) side of the fence.
I enjoy problem solving and helping clients navigate claims practically, with a sensible, commercial approach.
What opportunities do you see in your new role in WK’s Adelaide office?
WK Adelaide has built strong momentum, and I am excited to contribute to the growth of the team alongside Cheryl Phillips. The team has outstanding expertise, skills and local knowledge, which gives WK Adelaide an edge in providing a second-to-none service to our Australian-based and international clients. WK’s network casts far and wide, and I am looking forward to working with both familiar and new names and faces.
What key issues or trends are you seeing in insurance and liability claims?
Whilst this is not a new issue or ‘trend’, the rise of litigation costs and aggressive legal tactics continue to impact how claims are settled and the overall cost of claims to insurers, which I am always mindful of.
From the claims side of things, there is a growing demand for transparency and faster claims processing which I think is largely a result of increased regulation and compliance requirements for insurers and awareness of consumer rights.
There is also, of course, the use of technology, including AI, in claims processing, which is transforming how claims are managed; often making processes faster and more efficient.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of work?
I am the coach of my youngest child’s under–6 soccer team, which is quite hilarious given I do not know a thing about soccer! Luckily, I have some fantastic parents who ‘help’ (co-coach!) me in the role. AFL and netball are otherwise the winter sports I love to watch, and tennis is the summer sport I love to play!
Looking ahead, what professional or personal goal are you excited to pursue?
Professionally, I am excited to continue to pursue my career in general insurance and to connect (and re-connect!) with local and international clients and colleagues. WK has made a big impact on the insurance market, and I will work hard to uphold it.
Personally, I am bracing myself for having a high schooler next year and for all the fun (and challenges!) that will bring.
Connect with Lucille
If you would like to find out more about how Wotton Kearney’s General Liability team can support you in South Australia or across Australia, please reach out to Lucille Stewart or Cheryl Phillips.