Barristers Professional Indemnity
Specially for Barristers - Professional Indemnity insurance from Suncorp
Talk to one of our specialist underwriters for their understanding of the unique risks faced by barristers. This knowledge and our respectful and empathetic approach to claims and professional conduct enquiries is why more than 2,000 Australian barristers choose Suncorp Insurance.
For more than thirty years we have helped hundreds of barristers successfully resolve claims and defend conduct complaints.
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 that you ceased or will cease to hold your practising certificate and to discuss 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
Since 1992, Suncorp Insurance has dealt with over 2,000 notifications and claims for barristers.
We have paid over $54,000,000 in compensation, defence costs and inquiry costs for barristers facing allegations of negligence or misconduct.
- In NSW, over 990 notifications and over $26,000,000 paid.
- In QLD, over 600 notifications and over $13,000,000 paid.
- In WA, over 240 notifications and over $6,000,000 paid.
In other Australian jurisdictions, over 250 notifications and over $7,500,000 paid.
Lodge a Claim
Tell us immediately if anyone alleges misconduct or negligence
Example 1: Conduct Complaint
The insured acted for a client in a criminal defence matter. The client was convicted and fined. The client initially expressed satisfaction but later appealed. The conviction was upheld and the fine reduced.
When the insured sought payment of fees, the client initiated a costs assessment and lodged an extensive complaint with the Bar Association, which alleged that due to the reduction in fine, the insured was incompetent.
Suncorp Insurance supported the barrister in preparing a response to the complaint, and the complaint was dismissed. Managing such complaints requires a careful and measured approach.
Example 2: Importance of Early Involvement of Insurer
The plaintiff was a party to proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court (FCC), where the final order went against the plaintiff. The insured acted for the defendant.
The plaintiff subsequently commenced multiple Supreme Court proceedings, suing the FCC judge, the insured and their instructing solicitor, the court‑appointed family consultant, and Legal Aid.
Suncorp Insurance appointed lawyers to make an early application for summary dismissal of the claim against the insured. The application was successful. This proactive approach led to a timely resolution of the claim with minimal 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
