Rowena Horn
Morpeth,NSW
Summary
Highly motivated legal practitioner who works well in challenging environments. Eager to learn with aptitude for applying new knowledge with skill and efficiency.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate
Commercial Insurance, Moray & Agnew Lawyers
02.2023 - Current
- Managing a wide range of CTP files under the supervision of a partner, including matters under the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 and the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017
- Conducting matters in the Personal Injuries Commission and in the District Court, including navigating the Personal Injuries Commission Portal and Online Court
- Preparing clear and concise advices for insurer clients on a regular basis
- Liaising with experts and reviewing and analysing their reports and all other evidence
- Communicating with clients, opposing legal representatives, team members and assistants
- Maintaining electronic files and time recording
Associate
Insurance, Sparke Helmore Lawyers
04.2022 - 01.2023
- In addition to the above:
- Conducting informal settlement conferences, attending teleconferences, and preparing for general assessments, including briefing counsel
Legal Counsel
Hunter Water Corporation
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Providing advice to internal stakeholders on legal and regulatory issues relevant to the business, including advising on contracts, deeds, MOUs, complaints, compliance
- Identifying and advising on legal risks and requirements in key business activities, such as privacy, GIPA, modern slavery, safety, governance
- Drafting policies, plans and supporting documents (code of conduct, fraud & corruption control, privacy, Public Interest Disclosure, conflict of interests) and assisting with drafting governance documents (Director Code of Conduct, Board Charter)
- Liaising with and instructing external solicitors
- Providing support to the General Counsel/Company Secretary on legal matters and projects, including drafting Board papers
- Monitoring changes and developments in the complex legal and regulatory environment of Hunter Water Corporation
- Drafting and editing web page content
Primary Ethics Teacher
Morpeth Public School
06.2018 - 12.2021
- Delivered curriculum content in accordance with Primary Ethics requirements to students from Early Stage 1 to Stage 3.
- Promoted safe, orderly and secure learning and working environment.
- Liaised with colleagues, teachers and the principal regarding the delivery of the program.
Consultant Legal & Investigation Officer and, Reviewer
Services Commissioner
03.2016 - 03.2018
- Working knowledge of the new Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW)
- Analysis and review of complaint investigations and findings
- Making recommendations for disciplinary findings or dismissal of complaints and drafting associated correspondence
- Handling of more complex and sensitive complaint files
Policy Advisor
ADR Directorate
06.2010 - 01.2015
- Community Justice Centres (CJC)
- Duties:
- Drafting and reviewing policies and procedures: research, consultation, drafting, implementing, evaluating
- Drafting media releases, submissions to the Director-General and a speech for the Attorney General
- Providing a leading role in the progress of a Bill from finalising the Cabinet Minute to assent and implementation: amending the Community Justice Centres Act 1983
- Managing all stages of a project: accreditation of all CJC independent contractor mediators under the National Mediator Accreditation System, including consultation with mediators and unions
- Drafting communications and delivering training to internal stakeholders on new policies, procedures, and professional development opportunities
- Fielding enquiries from internal and external stakeholders
- Reviewing and updating website content: web authoring
- Complaint handling
Investigation Officer
Office of, Legal Services Commissioner
08.2006 - 06.2010
- Investigating complaints and making recommendations about disciplinary outcomes pursuant to the Legal Profession Act 2004 and its associated Regulations and Rules
- Instructing counsel and appearing on behalf of the Commissioner at the Administrative Decisions Tribunal
- Mediating consumer disputes and answering calls on the telephone Inquiry line
- Conducting research projects and contributing to policy reviews
- Representing the Commissioner on the Law Society Ethics Committee
- Assessing and allocating new complaints to appropriate case officers or professional bodies (Law Society or Bar Association) for investigation or mediation
- Mentoring and supervising new case officers
Solicitor
Family Law, Legal Aid Commission of NSW
04.2006 - 08.2006
- Representing parents in the Family Court, Federal Magistrates Court and Local Court in children’s matters
- Representing parents in the Children’s Court in care and protection proceedings
- Drafting court forms, including detailed affidavits, orders sought, consent orders, offers of settlement
- Conducting negotiations by way of correspondence, informal conferences and ADR conferences managed by Legal Aid NSW
- Manning the family law clinic which provides limited free advice to members of the public
- Acting as duty solicitor at the Family Court, Federal Magistrates Court and Local Court
- Lodging Legal Aid applications
- Managing a busy practice as part of a team and instructing support staff
- Liaising with external agencies such as police, hospitals, Department for Community Development, Child Support Agency
Family Law Solicitor
Clairs Keeley
02.2005 - 02.2006
- In addition to the above:
- Representing clients in the Family Court in children and financial proceedings in all stages up to trial, including advocating in a trial on relocation for 1.5 days and preparing briefs and instructing counsel on other trials
- Appearing in the Local Court in care proceedings and AVO proceedings
- Managing a busy practice with a mix of private and Legal Aid clients
- Conveyancing and preparing wills and enduring powers of attorney
- Time billing using LEAP
Director and Principal Investigator
G. Hughes & Associates WA
07.1999 - 02.2005
- Managing a firm of up to four employees, including establishing and maintaining business systems and processes and using MYOB, plus training and mentoring
- Conducting insurance investigations in public and product liability, professional indemnity and property claims, including workplace fatalities and injuries
- Interviewing claimants, witnesses and insured parties on site and drafting statements and other documents, such as waivers and authorities
- Gathering relevant documentation, taking photographs, and measurements and gathering other exhibits
- Interpreting contracts, leases, plans, technical specifications and preparing diagrams and flowcharts
- Researching relevant standards and legislation
- Assessing causation, potential liability and quantum
- Liaising with government agencies and other service providers
- Preparing detailed reports for clients (insurers or their solicitors)
Consultant Investigator
G. Hughes & Associates Sydney
09.1998 - 07.1999
- See above duties minus managerial duties
Graduate
Stevens Legal Port Macquarie
01.1998 - 07.1998
- Client interviews, drafting affidavits, preparing written advice
- Preparing briefs for counsel
- Liaising with government agencies
- Exposure to family law, criminal law, personal injury law, commercial law, conveyancing, and wills and estates
Education
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice -
NSW College of Law
1998
Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Hons) -
Macquarie University
1997
Skills
- Drafting policies, advices and litigation documents
- Presenting information to groups or in court
- Training and mentoring junior team members
- Statutory interpretation and analysis
Certification
Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia
Admitted to the High Court of Australia
Timeline
Associate
Commercial Insurance, Moray & Agnew Lawyers
02.2023 - Current
Associate
Insurance, Sparke Helmore Lawyers
04.2022 - 01.2023
Legal Counsel
Hunter Water Corporation
04.2020 - 04.2022
Primary Ethics Teacher
Morpeth Public School
06.2018 - 12.2021
Consultant Legal & Investigation Officer and, Reviewer
Services Commissioner
03.2016 - 03.2018
Policy Advisor
ADR Directorate
06.2010 - 01.2015
Investigation Officer
Office of, Legal Services Commissioner
08.2006 - 06.2010
Solicitor
Family Law, Legal Aid Commission of NSW
04.2006 - 08.2006
Family Law Solicitor
Clairs Keeley
02.2005 - 02.2006
Director and Principal Investigator
G. Hughes & Associates WA
07.1999 - 02.2005
Consultant Investigator
G. Hughes & Associates Sydney
09.1998 - 07.1999
Graduate
Stevens Legal Port Macquarie
01.1998 - 07.1998
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice -
NSW College of Law
Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Hons) -
Macquarie University
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