Presenters

Verity Smith, Principal, McInnes Wilson
Verity is a Principal within McInnes Wilson Lawyers’ compensation division. In the personal injury field, Verity practises across a variety of matter types including motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, workplace incidents, chemical harm, assault and general public liability incidents. Verity has a particular interest in motorcycle accidents and motorcyclist welfare, leading McInnes Wilson Lawyers’ motorcycle law division. In addition to supporting motorcyclists with compensation claims, Verity provides legal education to riders and assists core groups with road safety advocacy and initiatives. Verity has experience in broader insurance (including property damage and income protection) and injury insurance schemes (such as NDIS and NIISQ). Outside of her compensation practice, Verity is passionate about access to justice and coordinates McInnes Wilson Lawyers’ national pro bono program. She personally performs pro bono work for individuals, community legal centres and other organisations and has helped to establish multiple outreach legal clinics. Verity has been listed in Doyle’s Guide and is the recipient of awards including Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards (“Innovator of the Year” winner in 2023) and 30 Under 30 Awards (“Insurance” winner in 2023, and “Health Medical and Personal Injury” winner 2024).


Richard Perry KC, George Street Chambers
Richard Perry KC was admitted to the Queensland Bar in 1983 and took silk in 2004. He has extensive experience in commercial and civil litigation, regularly appearing in major trials, the Court of Appeal, and the Federal Court. His practice also includes statutory prosecutions, industrial relations matters, and legal profession disciplinary cases. Richard has acted in numerous Commissions of Inquiry, including the Home Insulation Inquiry, and has served as Counsel Assisting the Coroner. He was the inaugural Public Interest Monitor and later the acting Parliamentary Criminal Justice Commissioner. He has also conducted numerous mediations in Supreme Court matters.