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The firm’s story begins in 1986. At that time, Clive Brookes
(then a senior partner with Freehill Hollingdale & Page)
together with Patrick Monahan decided to establish their own
practice.
Brookes had an enviable and long standing reputation in the
insurance industry both locally and in London. He handled a
broad range of insurance litigation which included professional
indemnity, public liability, products liability and fidelity
claims.
Patrick Monahan had recently arrived in Australia from South
Africa and practised as a commercial litigator particularly in the
areas of public and product liability, defamation and professional
indemnity claims.
In 1986, Brookes was introduced to a Sydney insurance firm
through the agency of a common client, Duncan McMillan of the
Michael Payne Syndicate at Lloyds in London. After a short
while, Brookes and Monahan agreed to establish and become the
founding partners of this firm and both were then partners of
Ebsworth & Ebsworth in Melbourne.
So, on 1 June 1987, the firm commenced practice and a federation
of legal practices in two major cities was born.
Under the stewardship of Brookes and Monahan, the firm grew
rapidly and developed a strong reputation in the Melbourne market
for its excellence in the areas of insurance law, transport and
commercial litigation.
As the firm grew, it attracted a number of leading practitioners
to its ranks. Robert Tuck joined the firm in 1987.
Philip Rowell, Bruce Butler and Mark Attard joined in 1992
and Andrew Probert joined in 1997. With them, they expanded
and complemented the firm’s service base to include areas such as
self insurance, reinsurance, employment and industrial relations,
building and construction, aviation, corporations, banking and
finance and corporate compliance.
The changing times in the economy of the late 1980s gave rise to
a number of very large matters and multi-party claims. During
this time, Brookes and Monahan, and later Tuck, Rowell and Attard
were responsible for preparing and conducting the defences of a
number of professional people who became involved in these ground
breaking cases. The firm developed extensive experience in
the efficient management and resolution of significant
litigation.
Sadly, Clive Brookes passed away in 1993, but he left behind a
magnificent legacy in the Melbourne legal market.
In its relatively short history, the firm has been responsible
for managing major litigation in most Australian states.
In 1999, the firm moved to its present location at Rialto
Towers.
MORE HISTORY
The year 2004 proved to be a watershed year with the firm
incorporating a number of significant developments.
As the firm evolved, differences emerged in the federation.
These differences related to values, culture and philosophy.
In 2004, the firm renamed itself Monahan + Rowell.
At the same time, the firm established a close association with
the Sydney firm Colin Biggers & Paisley.
In July 2004, Melissa Gojak and Allison Grice were appointed
partners expanding the firm’s litigation coverage. Also in
2004, Mark White joined our commercial team. Mark brought his
significant experience in the area of corporate and commercial
advice.
In May 2006, Justin Griffin was appointed a partner joining the
firm’s insurance practice, working with Philip Rowell and Bruce
Butler.
In March 2007, Melissa Gojak left Monahan + Rowell to join one
of the firm's major insurance clients. This posting will
further strengthen the relationship between the firm and its
clients.
In May 2007, Monahan + Rowell celebrated their 20th anniversary,
having commenced practice in 1987.
In June 2008, Mary Edquist rejoined the firm as a commercial
partner, bringing with her a significant health law practice.
In August 2008, Rita Zammit joined the firm as a partner,
practising primarily in the area of medical negligence and
associated health law issues, as well as the area of product
liability.
On 31 December 2008, Robert Tuck retired from the Partnership
but continues to work with the firm as a Consultant.
On 1 March 2009, Vanessa Kemp, formerly a senior associate, was
appointed as a Partner with the firm. Vanessa continues to
practice in the areas of professional indemnity insurance, public
and product liability insurance and general insurance.
On 1 July 2009, Philip Rowell retired from the Partnership but
continues to work with the firm as a Consultant.
From modest beginnings, Monahan + Rowell today have 30 lawyers
who are supported by a large number of support and administration
staff. The firm's clients include leading insurers and
underwriters both local and abroad and many significant
corporations and organisations. The firm has developed a
strong specialist practice in the areas of insurance, construction,
transport, self insurance, employment law and commercial
litigation.
The firm's emphasis on leading the field in certain
specialities, its attention to clients and their requirements and
its focus on innovative outcomes to complex problems has seen the
firm dubbed as “The Thinking Client's Law Firm”. |
