Global law firm Clyde & Co has announced the appointment of Jessica Thurtell as a partner in its Sydney office, joining the firm from DLA Piper.
The hire forms part of the firm’s continued expansion of its insurance practice in Australia and builds on a series of recent appointments and promotions aimed at strengthening its capabilities in the sector. The move follows the 2025 lateral partner hires of Janine Clark, Yvonne Lam and Malcolm Wood, the partner promotion of Steven Lurie, and the addition of special counsel Kyle Bowles and Hugo Thomas.
Thurtell specializes in life insurance and financial lines and brings extensive experience in defence work related to management liability matters. Her practice includes developing remediation programmes, responding to regulatory requests, and representing clients in Royal Commissions and proceedings involving the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
She also has broad coverage expertise across multiple lines of business and a track record of handling significant litigation for large insurers. According to the firm, her arrival will further enhance its commercial litigation defence capabilities and strengthen its offering in complex insurance coverage disputes.
The appointment is expected to bolster Clyde & Co’s ability to serve insurance clients across Australia and the broader region. The firm noted that its global insurance practice includes about 2,400 lawyers across more than 70 offices worldwide.
Thurtell was also involved in establishing the Young Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association, reflecting her connections within the life insurance sector.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am delighted to welcome Jessica to the firm – her arrival underlines our commitment to the continued growth of our insurance offering and services to clients, with four partner and two special counsel appointments in our specialist insurance practice over the past months.”
Rebecca Kelly, Australia Managing Partner, Clyde & Co
“Jessica has strong connections in the life insurance industry which, combined with recent growth in our corporate practice, highlights our commitment to further develop the scope of our life insurance offering. Her experience in managing major and complex litigation, as well as management liability claims, also adds further depth to our national financial lines practice.”
Gareth Horne, Head Of Insurance Australia, Clyde & Co
“I am delighted to join a firm with such an extensive global offering across all lines of insurance. It is exciting to work as part of Clyde & Co’s incredible platform and network for the benefit of our clients in the Australian life and financial lines insurance markets.”
Jessica Thurtell, Partner, Clyde & Co
