Kerry-Anne Palzewski
Paradise,AUSTRALIA
Summary
Senior lawyer and commercial advisor with 16 years professional experience in corporate and commercial law, contract law, insurance law, dispute resolution and civil litigation both in private legal practice and in-house in the automotive and defence industries. International work experience in Germany and the United Kingdom in legal and compliance project management. Internationally attained Master of Business Administration (MBA). Legal and commercial business strategist. A natural and personable leader, mentor and team-player who always aims to deliver work of a high standard, efficiently. Detail-oriented team player with strong organisational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Current NV2 security clearance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Advisor – Commercial, Legal & Regulatory
Babcock Pty Ltd
01.2022 - Current
- I lead the legal, commercial, and regulatory function of the Babcock Australasia AUKUS Business Unit supporting strategic, business development, and operational activities
- I liaise with all internal and external stakeholders in providing advice and expertise on nuclear legislative reforms and regulatory compliance as it relates to AUKUS and Babcock’s company objectives in addition to general commercial and legal advice on complex procurement, partnering and contracting on all AUKUS related matters
- I liaise with colleagues in the UK to leverage existing knowledge to develop capability for Babcock’s Australasia business.
Senior Commercial & Subcontracts Manager
Babcock Pty Ltd
10.2021 - 01.2023
- In this role I was involved at all stages of the bid and contract cycle by providing commercial and legal advice on contracts, contract negotiation and contract management mainly for Babcock’s marine programs, including the Collins Class Submarine Sustainment program and Hunter Class Frigates program
- Worked with key internal and external stakeholders in achieving favourable commercial contracting outcomes for Babcock Australasia.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of subcontracts, ensuring timely delivery and consistent quality across all projects.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices for commercial activities and subcontract administration, contributing to overall team development and success.
- Facilitated the resolution of technical issues between internal stakeholders and external partners, enabling successful completion of complex projects involving multiple subcontractors.
- Negotiated favourable terms with subcontractors, resulting in cost savings and improved project timelines.
- Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and promoting mutual success.
Senior Commercial Advisor
Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd
01.2020 - 01.2022
- I was in the role of Senior Commercial Advisor at Luerssen Australia, the Australian subsidiary of German shipbuilding company, Fr Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co KG, headquartered in Bremen.
- Luerssen Australia are the contracted designer and builder for the SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Program for the Department of Defence (Royal Australian Navy)
- I provided general and strategic business and legal advice to the various departments within Luerssen Australia on a wide range of commercial, corporate and procurement matters focussing primarily on the SEA1180 program but also for the company generally.
- Negotiated favourable terms on supplier subcontracts to ensure value for money and clearly defined scopes of work.
- Drafted Contract Change Proposals and variations on existing contracts.
- Managed contractual disputes including the instruction of external legal service providers.
Senior Associate, Corporate and Commercial
Jones Harley Toole Lawyers (formerly Hunt & Hunt Lawyers)
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Senior lawyer in the corporate and commercial team advising on a variety of matters for clients including international financial institutions, large domestic commercial clients, small to medium-sized enterprises and start-ups with a key focus on clients within the defence and space industries.
Consultant / Project Management Office (PMO)
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Senior Consultant in the role of Project Management Office (PMO) for a legal and compliance project “Project WLTP” (sub-project of the WLTP Project at BMW AG) involving the communication and reporting of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption values in line with new European legislation.
Consultant
Edler & Stiegler Consulting GmbH
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Consultant undertaking business process and IT project management work for external clients, mainly the BMW Group, and internal company administration.
Senior Associate Lawyer, Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Insurance Practice
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
07.2008 - 02.2016
- Acting for the Compulsory Third Party insurer defending claims for personal injury arising from motor vehicle accidents
- Acting for insurance clients defending claims for personal injury, public and property liability, professional indemnity and financial services.
- Attending and appearing in the Magistrates and District Courts on Status Hearings and Directions Hearings.
- Attending as instructing solicitor to senior counsel at trials and appeals in the District and Supreme Courts of South Australia.
Claim Recovery Specialist
QBE Insurance Australia Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Responsible for pursuing and managing subrogation (debt) recovery opportunities for motor and complex property claims
- Responsible for resolving disputes and settlement negotiations with third parties whilst maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
- Working with panel solicitors in legal proceedings and providing instructions.
Education
Professional Certificate in Nuclear Law -
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA12.2024
MBA - General Management
Munich Business School
Munich, Germany01.2020
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) -
Law Society of South Australia
Adelaide, SA01.2007
Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) -
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA07.2006
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA12.2003
Skills
- Negotiation
- Contract drafting
- Legal Research
- Legal writing
- Corporate Governance
- Commercial Contracts
- Intellectual Property
- International Nuclear Law
Accomplishments
- Completed International Nuclear Law Essentials Course at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency in Paris, France in March 2024.
Certification
- Certificate in International Nuclear Law Essentials, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Paris France.
Affiliations
- Vice President - Women in Defence Association, SA Branch
- Board Member - Flinders University Law School
- Member - Women in Nuclear Australia
- Member - Association of Corporate Counsel
- Member - Law Society of South Australia
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Advisor – Commercial, Legal & Regulatory
Babcock Pty Ltd
01.2022 - Current
Senior Commercial & Subcontracts Manager
Babcock Pty Ltd
10.2021 - 01.2023
Senior Commercial Advisor
Luerssen Australia Pty Ltd
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Associate, Corporate and Commercial
Jones Harley Toole Lawyers (formerly Hunt & Hunt Lawyers)
01.2019 - 01.2020
Consultant / Project Management Office (PMO)
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
01.2016 - 01.2018
Consultant
Edler & Stiegler Consulting GmbH
01.2016 - 01.2018
Senior Associate Lawyer, Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Insurance Practice
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
07.2008 - 02.2016
Claim Recovery Specialist
QBE Insurance Australia Ltd
01.2006 - 01.2008
Professional Certificate in Nuclear Law -
University of Adelaide
MBA - General Management
Munich Business School
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) -
Law Society of South Australia
Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) -
University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Adelaide
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