Gillian Davidson

What she does

Gillian advises on the full range of personal injury matters. In addition, her portfolio includes   abuse and intentional tort claims, worker to worker or labour hire claims, property damage and subrogated recovery claims. She also advises on policy response and coverage disputes.

Gillian works closely with her clients helping them to identify and achieve their objectives, which often include reducing their organisational risk, claims and legal costs.

She advises across a range of industry groups, including hospitality, leisure, security, law enforcement, not for profit, faith-based organisations, retail, construction, infrastructure, telecommunications and energy.

Gillian is an active participant in many industry bodies, including the NSW Claims Discussion Group, Women in Insurance and the Australian Insurance Law Association. 

Gillian is a sought-after speaker and regularly leads the debate on important issues in the insurance industry, combining this with her passionate advocacy for diversity and inclusion.  Gillian was a panellist at the Women in Insurance Summit 2023 contributing her thoughts on the best strategies for fighting burnout and fatigue, and prioritising a culture that supports wellbeing.  Gillian also moderated a panel session at this year's Dive In Festival about how organisations can support more girls and women into STEM careers.

In acknowledging her leadership in diversity and inclusion, Gillian was the recipient of a Highly Commended in the Diversity & Inclusion category in Chambers Asia Pacific 2021.  Under her stewardship as Chair of the firm's Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee, Sparke Helmore has been recognised by Insurance Business as a 5* Employer of Choice and appointed as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (2018-2023) and a Diversity Council Australia Inclusive Employer (2019-2022).

Who she works with

Gillian advises many major Australian and international insurers, underwriters, brokers, third party claims handlers and statutory authorities while also working with government agencies and large corporates with retained deductibles.  She maintains a large London practice representing London market syndicates operating in Australia.

Gillian has had significant involvement advising clients across several Royal Commissions and currently advises institutions and insurers concerning abuse claims.

What her clients say

“She’s very good to deal with. She listens. Her follow-up shows true commitment.”

“Easy to deal with. We have frank and open discussions.”

“Approachable. I like the way she operates. Training provided was fantastic.”

“She always comes back to me with a strategy if I have a problem or query. She is responsive to all our needs, not just legal but business needs too, such as resourcing.”

“Responsive, practical and straightforward.”

“Schmick. Brilliant.”

Qualifications

Gillian has a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degree from Macquarie University. She is also a Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Life before Sparkes

Gillian is an insurance tragic having worked in the sector her whole career, including during her 20+ years with Sparke Helmore.  

Life outside of Sparkes

Gillian finds any and every excuse to travel and also loves the arts in all forms. She’ll stop at nothing to track down a writers’, film or literary festival and relishes the joy that comes with immersing herself in diverse genres.

Gillian has spent decades sitting on not-for-profit, faith based, school and medical research boards and encourages women in particular to say “yes” to these opportunities. 

Awards