Presenters

David Cormack, Barrister, David Cormack Barrister at Law
David Cormack was admitted as a barrister in 2003 and has practised law since 1993. His practice encompasses personal injuries, occupational health and safety, industrial relations, employment law, mental health, mediation and restorative practices. David has been recognised as a Doyle's Guide Recommended Barrister for Insurance and Personal Injury in 2025. He is a past contributor to LexisNexis's The National Work Health and Safety Law and Court Forms, Precedents & Pleadings Qld (Insurance; Discontinuance & Dismissal / Principles & Practice) subscriptions. Outside the law, David has served on the State Advisory Council for Prison Fellowship Queensland since 2005 and is a past Director of both Prison Fellowship Australia Limited and Prison Fellowship Care Limited. He has a keen interest in restorative justice and has participated in and facilitated the Sycamore Tree Program in various custodial centres since 2011. David enjoys cycling, kayaking, growing orchids and keeping chooks. He regularly participates in charity rides supporting MS Brisbane, the MND Foundation, and the Common Good Foundation; volunteers with the Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club (where he is a past Secretary); and serves as President of the Queensland Christian Lawyers.

David Andersen, Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
David specialises in toxic tort litigation, workers compensation and public liability claims. David acts exclusively for insurers and self-insureds. He assists clients across a broad range of industries, including energy and resources, manufacturing, property management, transport and insurance. David was named in the 2016 Asia Pacific Legal 500 Directory as one of Australia’s “leading individuals” for insurance law. He is a member of the NSW Law Society’s Personal Injury Specialist Accreditation Committee Advisory Committee.

Jessica Mackenzie, Partner, Rankin Ellison Lawyers
Jessica specialises in insurance litigation with an emphasis on Dust Diseases litigation. Jessica joined Rankin Ellison in 2020 as Special Counsel and was appointed as a Partner in 2022. She has worked in personal injury litigation since 2005. Following her admission in 2009, Jessica proved her ongoing commitment to personal injury litigation by achieving her Law Society Specialist Accreditation in personal injury law in 2014. Practicing solely in Dust Diseases litigation since 2013, she has conducted claims in both New South Wales and Queensland. Jessica has worked for both Plaintiff and Defendant law firms, developing a diverse range of skills. Now litigating complex liability and damages claims, she pays particular attention to evidence presented by her opposition in order to ensure the most appropriate response to claims. Jessica prides herself on providing timely and quality advice, ensuring that the forensic and strategic direction of a case is taken care of. Her strong advocacy skills have earned her a well-deserved reputation in the NSW Dust Diseases jurisdiction.

Alex Schonell, Barrister, Jack Shand Chambers
Alex Schonell was called to the Bar in 2022. Previously, he was admitted as a solicitor in Queensland in 2017, working in class actions and acting for plaintiffs in workers compensation, institutional abuse, dust disease, motor vehicle accident, professional negligence and public liability claims. From 2017, Alex specialised in dust diseases litigation, acting for plaintiffs in all Australian jurisdictions. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Human Rights and Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney. He currently practices in all areas of law, with a particular focus on personal injury, family law, property damage, administrative law and professional negligence cases.


Rohan Phelps, Barrister, Lennon’s List
Rohan practices predominantly in common law with a particular focus on public liability, dust diseases, and insurance claims. He has appeared led and unled in County Court and Supreme Court matters, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants. In 2025, Rohan was recognised by Doyle’s Guide as recommended Insurance & Personal Injury Junior Counsel.