Presenters

David Cormack, Barrister, David Cormack Barrister at Law
David comes from a background of having practised as a solicitor for ten years before being admitted as a barrister in 2003, initially as in-house counsel for WorkCover Queensland until 2009. David specialises in Personal Injuries and associated areas of Occupational Health and Safety, General Protection, Industrial and Employment Law. Apart from this collective, David practices in Mental Health Law (ECT's & Forensic Orders) and volunteers for a Restorative Justice initiative - the Sycamore Tree Project (taking crime survivors into prison). David contributes to the LexisNexis National Work Health and Safety Law subscription, provides a personal online subscription service and maintains an App "Injury Damages Calculator". David's interests include home produce (free range chooks and veggies), working towards aquaponics, kayaking and cycling.

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. Before coming to the Bar, Rohan worked as a Senior Associate in the General Insurance team at Wotton Kearney and as a solicitor at DLA Piper in the Litigation & Regulatory team. Rohan holds a Bachelor of Laws with honours from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate Performance Diploma (Piano). Rohan read with Mr Daniel Wallis and his senior mentor is Ms Roisin Annesley KC.