Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

RACHELLE SUKKAR

Sydney,NSW

Summary

Accomplished Senior Associate with a proven track record of leading projects to success and building strong client relationships. Offers strategic legal guidance on sensitive claims and complex government policies, earning trust from internal stakeholders and public sector partners. Known for deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and case law to make informed decisions and reduce risks. Integrates sharp legal expertise with discretion and integrity in high-pressure environments.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Associate, Sensitive Claims

HWL Ebsworth

Sydney, NSW

06.2024 - Current

Streamlined operational efficiency by identifying areas for improvement and proposing actionable solutions.
Effectively managed multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional results for clients and the organization.
Implemented process improvements that led to significant time savings and increased accuracy in deliverables.
Consistently maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring clear communication and timely updates on project progress.
Trained and supported new team members, maintaining culture of collaboration.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive successful completion of complex projects within deadlines.
Mentored junior associates, fostering professional growth and helping them reach their full potential.
Identified potential risks to develop mitigation plans and minimize impact on project timelines.
Increased client satisfaction through thorough analysis of project requirements and delivering high-quality results.
Analyzed customer data to identify trends and anticipate customer needs.
Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and engagement.
Completed daily logs for management review.
Increased profitability and productivity by minimizing downtime and streamlining quality control procedures.

Associate, Government Litigation

Norton Rose Fulbright

04.2023 - 05.2024

Draft complex advices to Government clients (Department of Communities & Justice, Department of Education)
Attending and conducting Mediations and Informal Settlement Conference
Manage claims in the Supreme Court and District Court of New South Wales
Instructing medical and liability experts
Managing my own practice with a variety of complex abuse claims, including claims for DCJ and DOE
Establishing relationships with government clients and providing legal services in accordance with their client standards.

Associate, Abuse Law, Common Law, CTP

Shine Lawyers Pty Ltd

04.2020 - 04.2023

Manage a portfolio of 120 claims
Attending and conducting Mediations and Informal Settlement Conference
Business development
Draft and settle various correspondence and pleading documents: Statutory Declarations, Subpoenas, Statements of Claim, Statement of Particulars, Affidavits, Consent Orders, Summons, Notice of Motions
Draw initial letters of advice to clients
Experience in entering online court orders
Instruct Counsel during Hearings in the District Court of NSW
Instruct liability experts
Instruct medico-legal practitioners and specialists with respect to assessment of client for the purposes of establishing damages
Instructing counsel at conferences and hearings
Issuing interrogatories
Manage claims against non-government organisations and residential care facilities
Manage claims against the State of NSW, State of VIC, State of WA, State of QLD, and State of TAS
Manage claims against various Departments within respective jurisdictions (i.e., Department of Families and Communities and Department of Education)
Manage claims against various religious Archdiocese
Mentoring junior solicitors within the firm
Requesting particulars
Responding to requests for particulars
Settle Statements of Claim to be filed in the District Court of NSW

Claims Examiner (Australia wide)

Chubb Insurance Australia Limited

04.2019 - 04.2020

Adhere to Chubb’s legal, Regulatory and Internal compliance obligations
Adhere to Insurance Contracts Act, the Insurance Code of Practice and all other relevant statutory rules and regulations
Analyse first report to determine nature of loss, coverage provided and scope of injury/damage
Conduct investigations of all aspects of reported claims including potential fraud
Effectively communicate with the following: claim department, customer services, loss control, underwriting departments, finance departments, brokers, insureds, service providers, third parties, re-insurers and/or their legal representatives
Effectively control the use, work product and expense of outside vendors
Effectively negotiate compromise settlements where appropriate
Establish accurate and timely reserves
Evaluating nature of loss, liability, injury/damage, coverage provided and applicable limits of claims
Maintain healthy working relationships with ASX listed companies
Promptly and properly document all developments on claim file
Recognise and pursue subrogation where applicable
Secure and/or file all supporting documentation and verify same for accuracy, relationship and completeness
12-month contract

Solicitor

Monaco Solicitors

Sydney, NSW

10.2017 - 03.2019

Manage a modest practice under the supervision of a Senior Associate
Appear on behalf of clients in the District Court of NSW for Directions Hearings, Status Conferences, etc.
Instruct Counsel during Hearings in the District Court of NSW
Instruct medico-legal practitioners and specialists with respect to assessment of client for Whole Person Impairment and Medical Stability
Instruct liability experts
Draft and settle a reply to all request for further and better particulars
Complete various statements (witness statements, client statements, carers statements)
Draft initial letters of advice to clients
Draft and settle all MAS applications (specifically: ensuring a clear and concise review of all the medical and subpoena materials on file in support of application)
Draft and settle all CARS applications (specifically: the drafting of submissions with respect to general damages and quantum)
Conduct legal research and analysis to support legal submissions (particularly with respect to CARS submissions)
Attend to CARS Hearings and briefing Counsel with respect to the same
Draft and settle various correspondence and pleading documents: Statutory Declarations, Subpoenas, Statements of Claim, Statement of Particulars, Section 85a Particulars, Affidavits, Consent Orders, Summons
Conduct VEDA searches with respect to Common Law Assault Claims (assessing whether perpetrator obtains assets)
Settle Statements of Claim to be filed in the District Court of NSW
Draft and settle Statements of Particulars to be filed in the District Court of NSW
Attend to all new client enquiries (obtain particulars/ nature of prospective client’s claim/ offer general overview of scheme/rights)
Assess new client enquiries for viability with respect to liability and general damages
Public Liability Claim, CTP Claims, Common Law Assault Claims, Family Provision Matters (NSW, VIC, ACT, QLD & WA)

Paralegal

Slater and Gordon Lawyers

Sydney/ Ashfield/ Parramatta, NSW

02.2016 - 09.2017

Draft and settle Section 85A particulars, pursuant to the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 (NSW)
Draft and settle Statements of Particulars to be filed in the District Court of NSW
Draft and settle Statements of clients/witnesses/experts
Draft and settle Briefs to Counsel
Draft, settle and lodge all applications with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority
Respond to requests for further and better particulars
Draft Statements of Particulars for the Dust Diseases Tribunal
Asbestos Litigation, Motor Vehicle Accidents Claims and Public Liability Disputes

Higher Education Co-ordinator/ Administration Officer

TAFE Institute NSW

Ultimo/St George/Enmore, NSW

12.2011 - 12.2015

Draft complex advices to Government clients (Department of Communities & Justice, Department of Education)
Attending and conducting Mediations and Informal Settlement Conference
Manage claims in the Supreme Court and District Court of New South Wales
Instructing medical and liability experts
Managing my own practice with a variety of complex abuse claims, including claims for DCJ and DOE
Establishing relationships with government clients and providing legal services in accordance with their client standards.