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Partner Profile: Nina Morgan
Every week we ask a law firm partner a series of rapid-fire questions about their career. This week: TressCox's Nina Morgan.
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Which firm are you with?
When did you join that firm?
I began my career at TressCox as a summer clerk in November 2002 and returned to TressCox as a Senior Associate in October 2008.
When were you made a partner of that firm?
I will be a partner of TressCox Lawyers as of 1 July 2012.
Which firm were you at most recently before your current firm?
Norton Rose.
What practice group are you with?
Commercial Litigation.
What has been the most significant change to your practice area during your career?
The introduction of the proportionate liability provisions in, inter alia, the Civil Liability Act 2002, which abandoned the common law rule of joint and several liability in relation to apportionable claims for economic loss and damage to property.
What has been one of your major career highlights?
Last year, I spent two days in Canberra for an appeal before the High Court. On 5 October, the High Court handed down judgment in Shoalhaven City Council v Firedam Civil Engineering Pty Limited, which unanimously found in favour of our client, Shoalhaven City Council.
The High Court held that an expert determination made in accordance with a contract between parties in dispute will be binding upon the parties, even if the determination contains an error. This is an important judgment because it is the first time that the High Court has analysed the circumstances in which an expert determination may or may not be binding and emphasises that contracting parties can control how disputes are to be determined.
This matter was a rollercoaster ride with a first instance win, a 0-3 loss in the Court of Appeal and finally a 6-0 win before the High Court.
What do you like about being a lawyer?
Working with great people. The people I work with at TressCox are not only very bright and talented; they are a pleasure to work with. It is also a privilege to work with experienced counsel and to assist with the resolution of complex legal matters.
What do you find challenging?
It is often a challenge to juggle competing priorities and to achieve a work-life balance.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I like to travel and am fortunate enough to have spent three months traveling through Africa.
