Harriet Sinclair

• Act for the State of Queensland on instructions from the Queensland Government Insurance Fund (QGIF) across of a range of insurance defendant matters, including general liability, medical negligence, and historical institutional abuse claims.
• Manage a personal file load of 33 matters with a high degree of autonomy, handling all aspects of claim management from the initial assessment through to resolution, including litigation where required.
• Responsible for drafting advices, corresponding with QGIF and Departments, briefing counsel and experts, appearing at compulsory conferences and mediations.
• Conduct compulsory conferences independently, including preparing written submissions, advising on negotiation strategy, and appearing on behalf of the State to conduct the conference.
• Support senior solicitors on complex matters by contributing to caser strategy, reviewing the material drafting correspondence and advices, and working closely with them to progress the matter efficiently towards resolution.
• Apply a trauma-informed approach in matters involving allegations of historical abuse.

• Focused on defending historical institutional abuse claims brought against the State of Queensland, involving sensitive subject matter and complex liability and quantum issues.
• Responsible for reviewing extensive records to analyse liability and quantum in the context of trauma and evolving standards.
• Managed matters through the varies stages including the initial assessment, evidence gathering, settlement negotiations and litigation.
• Applied a trauma-informed approach throughout the management of these claims.

Acted under instruction from national and international insurers, underwriters, statutory authorities, and third-party administrators in defending product, property, and public liability matters. My key experience includes:

• Successfully defended multiple historical sexual abuse claims for institutional churches and trustees, contributing to precedent-setting outcomes.
• Managed high-volume property and personal injury litigation involving Body Corporates, owners corporations, and strata insurers, representing a leading national provider.
• Drafted complex court documents, including pleadings, applications, and procedural motions, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and strategic alignment.
• Drafted comprehensive legal advices addressing liability, quantum, prospects of success, reserving strategies, and litigation pathways.
• Maintained strong client relationships, consistently meeting service level benchmarks.
• Engaged in community and pro bono initiatives, including volunteer work with LawRight Queensland and active participation in Walk for Awareness.

• Completed a two year graduate program, including four six-month rotations across different teams.
• Rotated through three defendant insurance liability teams, gaining experience in personal injury, medical negligence and institutional abuse matters.
• Completed a rotation in the family law team, assisting in matters involving children protection, domestic violence, parenting disputes, and property settlements.
• undertook legal research, drafted advices and supported senior lawyers.
• Transitioned to a solicitor role after the first year of the program, taking on increasing responsibility for file management and client engagement.

• Completed a four- week clerkship with rotations across family law, insurance and commercial teams.
• Gained exposure to a variety of areas through legal research, drafting, file review, and shadowing solicitors.