Madeline Coats
Senior AssociateAbout Madeline
Madeline has worked in a variety of roles in workers’ compensation across multiple jurisdictions since 2021. Her experience spans internal dispute management at the claims management level through to high-level litigation. Madeline also has advised both registered and self-insured employers, giving her a well-rounded background and the ability to identify technical issues and deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s specific needs and requirements.
What she does
Madeline practices in the statutory compensation jurisdiction, with experience in case management, negotiating dispute settlements, and advising clients on claim liability, indemnity, causation and quantum. She also counsels clients on the advisability of trial proceedings, financial liability and legal obligations. Madeline regularly appears for Victorian, South Australian and Commonwealth clients, departments and agencies before the Victorian Workplace Injury Commission, the Victorian Magistrates Court, the Victorian County Court, the South Australian Employment Tribunal and the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Who she works with
Madeline advises and represents the South Australian state workers’ compensation statutory authority and it’s claims agents, Victorian self-insured employers and Commonwealth Government departments.
Qualifications
Madeline has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Media and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Adelaide.
Life before Sparkes
Prior to joining Sparke Helmore, Madeline worked for a series of top-tier firms representing Defendant’s in numerous insurance matters including but not limited to; worker’s compensation, public liability, and historical abuse. Prior to this, Madeline was employed as a claims agent in South Australia within a dispute resolution team.
Life outside of Sparkes
Outside of work, Madeline enjoys a run around ‘the Tan’ in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Garden, her weekly boxing classes, a good restaurant and adding to her wine collection.