Skip to main content
article thumbnail

Madelaine McCullum

Partner

Newcastle

+61 2 4911 5406

A skilled and experienced lawyer, Madelaine’s principal practice is in Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claims, worker’s compensation and public liability law. Her methodical approach to her work means she is highly regarded by her insurer clients with complex, major claims.

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Madelaine’s principal areas of practice are compulsory third party claims (CTP), worker’s compensation and public liability. 

She manages a large portfolio of major claims, including fraud and exaggerated claims and those involving catastrophic injuries, such as brain injury.

Madelaine acts on behalf of her clients in NSW District Court and Supreme Court proceedings, managing the claims lifecycle process from receipt to resolution – by way of hearing, settlement or withdrawal, assessing liability, indemnity and quantum.

Madelaine joined Moray & Agnew’s insurance team as a paralegal while studying a law degree. Following her admission to practice in NSW and the High Court of Australia, she has risen through the ranks of our Newcastle legal team from lawyer to senior associate. In 2020, Madelaine was promoted to partner.

Madelaine goes above and beyond the standard for her clients. She is particularly known for her work in defending fraudulent claims which has resulted in huge savings across the industry. She often presents to various insurance groups on how to identify and deter fraudulent claims, and how to defend said claims. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Madelaine’s work within the area of fraudulent insurance claims – in particular, staged and phantom passenger accidents – has led to a large number of successful judgments, withdrawals and outcomes for her insurer clients. In addition, her work has led to claimants being referred for criminal prosecution on the basis of the evidence obtained by Madelaine and her team in the CTP claims.

In the past three years, Madelaine has achieved 46 withdrawals of fraudulent claims or verdicts for the defendant in favour of her client, resulting in savings of more than $19 million for her clients.

RECOGNITION

Awards

Named a 2022 Rising Star by Australasian Lawyer.

Academic Appointments

Following graduation from the University of Newcastle, Madelaine has continued her close involvement with the University’s Law School, including judging student competitive moots.

EXPERTISE

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws, 2014, Newcastle University
  • Bachelor of Communication, 2012, Newcastle University
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, 2015, College of Law

Memberships

  • Business Hunter
  • Law Society of New South Wales