Talk to one of our specialist underwriters and you will be impressed by their understanding of the specific risks you face. It’s this in-depth knowledge and empathetic handling of claims and unprofessional conduct enquiries that has attracted more than 2,000 Australian barristers to Suncorp.
We have helped hundreds of barristers successfully resolve claims and defend conduct complaints for over twenty years.
Product Features
- A civil liability cover tailored to barrister's requirements
- Cover for compensation orders and costs orders
- Unlimited reinstatements of your limit of liability
- Loss of documents cover to the full limit
- Inquiry costs cover up to the full limit
- Continuous cover extension
- 7 years run off cover
- Limits of indemnity up to $20 million available
- Nil excess for eligible barristers
- Multiple payment options
Conditions, limits and exclusions apply to all the product features listed. Please read the the policy wording and Privacy Statement for Barristers.
How can we help?
Retired or retiring?
Please contact us to advise the date you terminated your practicing certificate and we will reissue your Certificate of Insurance to trigger your automatic run off cover.
Claims or complaints?
Please contact us immediately so we can help you.
Want to access your policy wording?
Need to pay or renew your policy?
Claims Experience
Should you need to make a claim, you can expect fast and easy lodgement with the support of our dedicated Suncorp claims team. We work with you in seeking fair and timely claims resolutions and take pride in a common-sense approach to claims management.
With Suncorp Insurance, deal with someone who understands what barristers really need when it comes to professional indemnity insurance.
Quick Facts
Suncorp Insurance has dealt with over 1,800 notifications and claims for barristers from 1992 until March 2023.
We have paid over $44,000,000 in compensation and defence costs for barristers arising from accusation of negligence or misconduct.
- In QLD, over 550 notifications and over $11,000,000 paid.
- In WA, over 210 notifications and over $5,000,000 paid.
- In NSW, over 840 notifications and over $20,000,000 paid.
In other Australian jurisdictions, over 230 notifications and over $7,000,000 paid.
Lodge a Claim
Tell us immediately if anyone alleges misconduct or negligence
Example 1: Vexatious Complaint
The insured acted for a client in a criminal defence matter. The client received a conviction and a fine (not a custodial sentence). The former client then sought to appeal his conviction and fine. The conviction was upheld but the fine reduced. At the time the client was very happy with the barrister.
When the barrister was seeking to have his outstanding fees paid the client brought the matter to a cost assessment application. The client also sought to frustrate the assessment by making a very lengthy complaint to the Bar Association on the basis that the barrister was incompetent and that the reduction in the fine at appeal was evidence of same. This was incorrect.
Suncorp Insurance assisted the barrister in the response to the Bar Association and the complaint was dismissed. A considerable amount of time is involved in addressing such complaints and a very careful hand needs to be employed when replying.
Suncorp’s very experienced claims handlers have access to an expert panel enabling them to provide high quality advice and assistance to our insured barristers. You don’t need to face a complaint alone
Example 2: Importance of Early Involvement of Insurer & Panel
The Plaintiff was a party to proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court (FCC). The Ultimate decision did not favour the plaintiff. The Insured Barrister acted for the other party in the FCC proceeding, and not the plaintiff.
The Plaintiff commenced multiple proceedings in the Supreme Court. The Plaintiff sued the judge who heard the FCC case the insured barrister, their instructing solicitor, the court appointed “family consultant” and Legal Aid.
The allegation against the Insured Barrister was one of personal negligence.
Suncorp retained panel lawyer who adopted an early strategy to apply to summarily dismiss the proceeding.
The application was successful on the basis that the Insured had no duty of care to the plaintiff and because of the presence of advocates immunity.
The proactive strategy adopted in this matter saw it resolved promptly and with limited disruption to the insured.
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, trading as Suncorp Insurance. This website provides information about some of the main features and benefits of the Suncorp Barristers Professional Indemnity policy wording. It provides a summary of cover only and does not constitute advice in relation to the policy. You should still refer to the policy to identify the full terms, conditions and limitations on cover. The cover offered to you may vary from that described. You can contact us for a copy of the policy on 1300 308 950 or by email: sunprorisk@suncorp.com.au