Rory O’Connor
Special Counsel
Rory is a distinguished legal professional with over two decades of extensive experience across multiple areas, including Litigation & Dispute Resolution Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Building & Construction Law, Insurance and Reinsurance Law, Trust Law, and Insolvency Law.
He has acted on matters litigated in the High Court of Australia, the NSW Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of various states, as well as the Federal Court of Australia.
Graduating with honors from the University of Technology, Sydney, Rory commenced his legal career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and quickly ascended through the ranks, serving in notable positions such as Senior Associate and Special Counsel at Dentons Australia and Special Counsel at McCabes and HWL-Ebsworths. His tenure in prestigious firms has equipped him with a profound understanding of complex legal frameworks and a reputation for delivering exceptional results for his clients.
Rory’s expertise is particularly impressive, having played a pivotal role in several high-stakes litigation, corporate and consumer law matters.
These include large loss litigation - and specifically the matter Mobis Parts Australia Pty Ltd v XL Insurance Company SE - a case involving one of the largest insurance contract disputes in Australian legal history (arising out of the collapse of a hail-storm-damaged Eastern Creek warehouse in 2015). This matter continues to be cited and referenced in a range of judgments to date.
His experience also extends to class actions, where he was the lead solicitor for a team representing the insurer of a local importer and distributor of prostheses manufactured by the French company, Poly Implant Prothese. This claim involved over 1,000 claimants seeking compensation for mental distress and the costs of removal and replacement of prostheses, litigated in the Federal Court of Australia, as well as several state Supreme Courts and tribunals.
Additionally, Rory has acted in international litigation, representing an insured in a claim in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Philadelphia, United States of America. The plaintiffs claimed damages for personal injury allegedly caused by a defective product manufactured by the insured, which had been installed in an aircraft.
In the realms of corporate, consumer, and transactional law, Rory has provided invaluable advice on insurance and reinsurance arrangements, corporate acquisitions, and the compliance of developments with relevant legislation.
Rory’s expertise in these areas was demonstrated in the matter of Pitcher Partners Consulting Pty Ltd v Neville’s Bus Service (involving professional negligence resulting in a loss suffered by a local business) - which was one the first appellate cases involving the assessment of damages and compensation under the Australian Consumer Law.
Further to this, Rory’s adeptness at navigating corporate governance issues and providing strategic counsel is a testament to his comprehensive understanding of the intersection between law and business. He is also well-versed in representing both corporate clients and insurers in multifaceted disputes involving indemnity claims and coverage issues. Adept at handling trust matters, Rory has advised both private entities and government bodies on compliance and operational requirements, further solidifying his standing as a trusted advisor across various sectors.
Known for his approachable demeanour and strong client relationships, Rory prioritises clear communication and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that his clients feel supported throughout the legal process. His analytical skills and attention to detail have proven essential in achieving favourable outcomes in high-stakes scenarios. And, his commitment to professional integrity and excellence has earned him the respect of peers and clients alike.
Outside the office, Rory is a passionate sportsman with a history in competitive surfing and athletics as well as skiing across Canada and Japan. His diverse interests reflect his dynamic personality and commitment to a balanced lifestyle, enriching both his professional and personal pursuits.
A commitment to giving back to the local community has seen Rory pursue his passion for suburban law practice. Today, he stands out as a dedicated professional, committed to achieving justice and providing strategic legal solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients.
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