Peter is a negotiator. He believes that the most important faculties a lawyer can bring to a settlement conference are a determined ability to achieve a cost effective resolution resulting in certainty of outcome and certainty as to cost.

He has developed a Resolution by Negotiation Program and his knowledge and industry expertise enables him to identify suitable claims for the Program, for example, certain categories of professional indemnity, medical negligence, aviation, general insurance liability, construction and engineering, strata schemes and property. As far as Peter is concerned, the fact that almost all cases are resolved - rather than go to Hearing - tells us parties want to minimise their costs and risks and achieve certainty of outcome. A resolution is always there, but you have to work hard to find it.

This is not to say that claims should be settled without proper evaluation and investigation, but, after more than 20 years dealing in negotiated settlements, Peter realises that the longer a matter is left unresolved, the more likely it is that peripheral issues emerge, a party's resolve is hardened and the adversarial nature of a conflict become predominant. And, of course, costs are driven up.

Through all matters, Peter works closely with the partners and teams in our national insurance group.

Areas of Expertise 

Dispute Resolution, Negotiation, Resolution and General Insurance

Industry Experience    

Peter has organised settlement conferences that have had an outstanding effect on resolving claims. Peter talks to people. He engages with them and with their advisers. He moves in early to talk about issues and looks for opportunities to take the heat and emotion out of a claim. He works to encourage a realistic approach to claims by identifying substantive issues and talking about them realistically with the other party.

Peter's approach is to get things moving with an Issues Conference, early on, and then a Settlement Conference. He has been involved in insurance for a long time now and he makes good use of a friendly and determined nature to get the best result.

Professional Memberships

Law Society NSW, Australian Insurance Law Association,  AILA Liaison Committee NSW, Medico-Legal Society NSW, Aviation Law Association, Australia and New Zealand.