Who I am

Chris is a longstanding legal practitioner with vast experience within both private practice and corporate environments. He has acted on both sides of the litigation equation; plaintiff and defendant.

 
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Experience and expertise

His particular experience and expertise in insurance-related disputes include professional negligence and disciplinary actions, public and products liability claims involving both property damage and personal injury. As a personal injury law accredited specialist Chris’ expertise extends into assisting parties to resolve motor vehicle and industrial accident claims. In addition to advising his private and corporate clients, Chris has acted for local, state and federal government entities. He was the national practice group leader of the commercial insurance division of Sparke Helmore Lawyers between 2015 and 2021 and has been a board member of community sporting and educational bodies bringing considerable practical legal and management experience to dispute resolution processes.

 

What I do

 

Chris Wood is accredited under the National Mediation Standards system and brings over 30 years of experience on both sides of the litigation fence to facilitate early and cost-effective dispute resolution.

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What do people say

  • I am aware that Chris Wood, a partner in Sparke Helmore, has branched out as a mediator. Chris is a very experienced, practical, common sense commercial litigation practitioner and I recommend him as a mediator.

    - Richard Rolfe, Rolfe Mediation

  • I have worked with Chris Wood for over 15 years in several different roles within the insurance industry. Over this time, Chris' legal advice in various complex matters has always been solution focussed, with an emphasis on obtaining strong commercial outcomes.

    - Marita Wright
    Principal Consultant – Governance, Risk and Compliance
    Former General Manager, Claims – Catholic Church Insurance

  • Chris is approachable and facilitates constructive discussions to ensure as effective and efficient outcomes as possible. He has an in-depth understanding of the insurance industry, he is highly responsive and can distil complex legal issues. Finding solutions to new challenges and re-thinking the way services are delivered is at the forefront for Chris.

    - Simon Lightbody, Chief Executive Officer
    Steadfast Underwriting Agencies

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“Life’s too short to hang out with lawyers - let’s get on and sort this out”

- Anon