Presenters

Robert Crittenden, Principal and Practice Group Leader, Meridian Lawyers
Robert practices in insurance law and litigation, with a focus on professional indemnity and product liability insurance. He joined Meridian Lawyers in November 2014, bringing a wealth of experience in insurance law, having acted in many high profile insurance cases. He acts for overseas underwriters, particularly Lloyd’s Syndicates and others in the London insurance market. He also advises insurers, brokers, underwriting agents and insured parties and provides risk management advice to clients in the sports, leisure and construction industries. Robert has many years’ experience drafting and amending insurance policies and endorsements. In the professional indemnity space Robert has a particular focus in defending claims against lawyers, construction professionals and insurance brokers . Currently Robert is defending a large architectural firm in a large multi-defendant case involving cladding issues. He is also currently acting for a road base supplier in a large Supreme Court product liability case brought by a local government authority. He has acted in a number of large class actions including the Cash Converters action (pay day lending). Robert has also acted for the London market insurers of RailCorp in relation to the Waterfall rail disaster. Additionally he acted for the liability insurers of Cochlear in relation to a large number of product liability claims across the globe. Robert has been acknowledged by Best Lawyers in Australia for many years for his expertise in the areas of Insurance Law, Product Liability Litigation, Professional Malpractice Litigation and Litigation. He is also acknowledged in Doyle’s Guide as a leading professional indemnity lawyer. Prior to joining Meridian Lawyers, Robert was a partner at DLA Piper and its predecessor Phillips Fox for nine years and prior to that a Partner at Moray & Agnew.


James Rigney, Partner, Clyde & Co
In addition to James’ extensive disputes experience, he frequently advises on complex coverage issues, and he has also assisted clients in a wide range of regulatory investigations and Royal Commissions. This unique experience means James stands out to his clients – they value his ability to apply technical knowledge in a commercial environment to provide practical solutions. James has experience working with global and local insurers, London Market syndicates and their insureds. His technical understanding of client's businesses is critical to developing a fast understanding of the claim and the ability to focus on early settlement strategy. Evidence of this is found in his handling of a claim against a professional services firm in which the client had significant exposure. James successfully implemented a strategy to resolve the matter at mediation, and before evidence, therefore minimising unnecessary legal spend for the client. James has extensive experience in litigated proceedings. In 2019, James defended a global agricultural company in proceedings arising from a crop spraying incident causing widespread damage to crops. Faced with a challenging case on liability, James was able to deploy a strategy of defending the case on causation and quantum instead, which resulted in a successful outcome for his client at Trial. James is a member of the Engineering Discussion Group (committee member), the Australian Professional Indemnity Group and the Australian Insurance Law Association. He is admitted to practice in the United Kingdom and Australia, and has litigated claims in numerous jurisdictions in Australia, the UK and Europe. James is consistently recognised for his work in the industry, most recently he has also been recognised in the "Best Lawyers in Australia" rankings for his expertise Insurance Law.


Rebecca Badra, Senior Associate, Clyde & Co
Rebecca’s experience is widespread, acting for insurers and corporate entities in litigated and unlitigated matters, including personal injury, property damage, and professional indemnity (particularly related to claims against engineers and architects). Rebecca regularly appears in litigated claims across New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, and Queensland. Rebecca is an active member of the Australian Insurance Law Association YP Committee.